Discussion:
Why do single mother's need control?
(too old to reply)
Teresa & Peter
2005-04-18 10:28:05 UTC
Permalink
I have three children from previous relationships(one that lives at home)
and my husband has two children from his first marriage. Both of his
children live with their unbelievably controlling mother some 4 and a half
hours away in a remote country town.

The X won a trial late last year to relocate with the children, not for any
specific reason except that parts of her family had moved to the area (I
could go on and on about this woman...)

Anyway last week my husband and I drove to the pick up point to pick his
children up, this was the first time we had seen them since before
Christmas. The oldest child refused to come (not any surprises to us, she
also refuses to speak to him on the phone), the youngest (6 yrs) had been
hanging out for months for this holiday. X wife brought her whole family
along for the show, and even though we wrote to her asking for appropriate
clothing for the children for the week, she deliberatley provided us with
second hand shorts and tee shirts, shoes that were old (and too big),
clothing that used to belong to her sister, I know because I bought some of
the clothing. Believe me this woman is not short of a dollar.
I assumed this would happen and had packed more clothing for the child
anyway. I was just disgusted at her attitude.
After the week we returned to the pick up point and parked in exactly the
same spot that she had parked, when she arrived she parked some 200 metres
away with her mother (that women has a lot to answer for) and proceeded to
sit in their car and stare at us. I tool my child and my step child to the
toilet, and my step child motioned to her mother to come over to get her
things. The x and her mother just kept yelling out come on C hurry up and
get in the car. I took the children back to the car and we tool her
belongings out (she now had three times as many things to go home with) and
set them down at the front of the car. Grandmother stood some 200 metres
away yelling at the child to pick up her things and get in the car. Besides
not being able to hear properly it was obvious that the child would not be
able to carry all of her belongings. My husband called out to x, telling her
that the child was ready. That was met with more yelling from x and her
mother. My husband would not budge, years of being manipulated and threats
of losing his children were enough to make him see red. My own child was
incredulous, how could this be happening. How could a mother act like this
in front of other people but more importantly in front of her own child? I
am a separated parent myself, I still do not understand the need to control
a situation and a man you obviously despise. Well, I saw red, I yelled out
to the both of them to grow up and stop acting so immature. That this child
was now visibly upset was upsetting me. This was met with more yelling from
the x's camp and more cajolling for the child to walk the 200 odd metres
with her belongings to the car. There were threats of us being arrested and
the ususal abusive remarks. What is it with this woman? I truly understand
why some men just want to slap them. In this case it would do no good, this
woman has een taught everything she knows from a woman who is equally
manipulative and controlling with her own children (yes they all live
together - x is well over 30yrs) and my guess is that the oldest child has
begun to learn how to also be manipulative and controlling. She believes
that by hurting her father (at 8 yrs) that she is in control of him too.
How can women do this to their own children and destroy lives. It makes me
sick, I look at my own children and as much as do not always like their
father(s), I do at least try to maintain some relationship for the
children's sake. What is important here? I thought it was the welfare of the
children, but I must be wrong...
matthaus.huber
2005-04-18 23:26:42 UTC
Permalink
!I have three children from previous relationships(one that lives at home)
and my husband has two children from his first marriage. Both of his
children live with their unbelievably controlling mother some 4 and a half
hours away in a remote country town."

There are good parents and some who .. "struggle" to put it mildly.

The "family" courts and the so-called professionals of the child access
industry* however assume:
Mother = good.
Father = bad.
*They are a lousy lot, and up to no good for children.
It's called gender bias and anti-father discrimination.
Have a look at:
http://www.parents4protest.co.uk/
mjh


The X won a trial late last year to relocate with the children,
Post by Teresa & Peter
I have three children from previous relationships(one that lives at home)
and my husband has two children from his first marriage. Both of his
children live with their unbelievably controlling mother some 4 and a half
hours away in a remote country town.
The X won a trial late last year to relocate with the children, not for any
specific reason except that parts of her family had moved to the area (I
could go on and on about this woman...)
Anyway last week my husband and I drove to the pick up point to pick his
children up, this was the first time we had seen them since before
Christmas. The oldest child refused to come (not any surprises to us, she
also refuses to speak to him on the phone), the youngest (6 yrs) had been
hanging out for months for this holiday. X wife brought her whole family
along for the show, and even though we wrote to her asking for appropriate
clothing for the children for the week, she deliberatley provided us with
second hand shorts and tee shirts, shoes that were old (and too big),
clothing that used to belong to her sister, I know because I bought some of
the clothing. Believe me this woman is not short of a dollar.
I assumed this would happen and had packed more clothing for the child
anyway. I was just disgusted at her attitude.
After the week we returned to the pick up point and parked in exactly the
same spot that she had parked, when she arrived she parked some 200 metres
away with her mother (that women has a lot to answer for) and proceeded to
sit in their car and stare at us. I tool my child and my step child to the
toilet, and my step child motioned to her mother to come over to get her
things. The x and her mother just kept yelling out come on C hurry up and
get in the car. I took the children back to the car and we tool her
belongings out (she now had three times as many things to go home with) and
set them down at the front of the car. Grandmother stood some 200 metres
away yelling at the child to pick up her things and get in the car. Besides
not being able to hear properly it was obvious that the child would not be
able to carry all of her belongings. My husband called out to x, telling her
that the child was ready. That was met with more yelling from x and her
mother. My husband would not budge, years of being manipulated and threats
of losing his children were enough to make him see red. My own child was
incredulous, how could this be happening. How could a mother act like this
in front of other people but more importantly in front of her own child? I
am a separated parent myself, I still do not understand the need to control
a situation and a man you obviously despise. Well, I saw red, I yelled out
to the both of them to grow up and stop acting so immature. That this child
was now visibly upset was upsetting me. This was met with more yelling from
the x's camp and more cajolling for the child to walk the 200 odd metres
with her belongings to the car. There were threats of us being arrested and
the ususal abusive remarks. What is it with this woman? I truly understand
why some men just want to slap them. In this case it would do no good, this
woman has een taught everything she knows from a woman who is equally
manipulative and controlling with her own children (yes they all live
together - x is well over 30yrs) and my guess is that the oldest child has
begun to learn how to also be manipulative and controlling. She believes
that by hurting her father (at 8 yrs) that she is in control of him too.
How can women do this to their own children and destroy lives. It makes me
sick, I look at my own children and as much as do not always like their
father(s), I do at least try to maintain some relationship for the
children's sake. What is important here? I thought it was the welfare of the
children, but I must be wrong...
quietguy
2005-05-06 04:02:05 UTC
Permalink
Well your husband didn't think his childs welfare was important - his pride
came first and the child suffered - shame he wasn't man enough to put his kid
first despite any wrongdoings by the kids mum.


David
Post by Teresa & Peter
What is important here? I thought it was the welfare of the
children, but I must be wrong...
Teresa & Peter
2005-05-12 02:23:56 UTC
Permalink
How evident is it that someone would make a comment like this when it is so
obvious you have never been through the soul destroying and financially
destroying events that we have tell me have you lost your children through
the court system through no fault of your own -after giving your ex-wife 95%
of everything you ever worked for? Or are you really someone who offers
unhelpful criticsim after hindsight. Hindsight - we all have 20/20 vision
afterwards don't we?
Post by quietguy
Well your husband didn't think his childs welfare was important - his pride
came first and the child suffered - shame he wasn't man enough to put his kid
first despite any wrongdoings by the kids mum.
David
Post by Teresa & Peter
What is important here? I thought it was the welfare of the
children, but I must be wrong...
quietguy
2005-05-13 08:02:47 UTC
Permalink
My comments were actually meant to be helpful - from your post it seems that
your husband sees himself as the good guy in this situation, and seems unaware
of the impact of his own inappropriate behaviour on the children.

While I can certainly understand how distressed he might be and how angry with
his ex he may be, this is no excuse for behaving as he did in front of the kids
- effectively he used them to attack his ex, or at least to defend himself from
her demands. Yet he doesn't appear aware of what he did, only what his ex did.

If this lack of self-awareness, and using the kids to attack the ex is typical
of his behaviour then it is not surprising that his ex has the kids - though of
course that too may not be in their best interests. Someone has to be the
adult and put the kids first - if Peter can't and his doesn't, then one has to
feel damn sorry for those kids.

And yes, I have to some degree been in a similar situation - except that I gave
my ex 100% of our assets, as I wanted to make sure she had all she needed to
provide our kids with a good home and pleasant lifestyle - whereas I would be
able to work and accumulate more assets thanks to her caring for the kids much
of the time.

And talking of hindsight, please note that my post was meant to point out that
even with the benefit of hindsight neither you or Peter seem aware that to an
outsider it appears clear that both parties acted in an immature and hurtful to
the kids way.

David
Post by Teresa & Peter
How evident is it that someone would make a comment like this when it is so
obvious you have never been through the soul destroying and financially
destroying events that we have tell me have you lost your children through
the court system through no fault of your own -after giving your ex-wife 95%
of everything you ever worked for? Or are you really someone who offers
unhelpful criticsim after hindsight. Hindsight - we all have 20/20 vision
afterwards don't we?
Post by quietguy
Well your husband didn't think his childs welfare was important - his
pride
Post by quietguy
came first and the child suffered - shame he wasn't man enough to put his
kid
Post by quietguy
first despite any wrongdoings by the kids mum.
David
Post by Teresa & Peter
What is important here? I thought it was the welfare of the
children, but I must be wrong...
dhudd
2005-12-05 17:34:41 UTC
Permalink
I noticed right away, as an 'outsider', the inappropriate behavior of both
parties. I am writing in hopes that with additional perspective you might
take a second look at how the dynamics of your situation have taken on a
mind of their own. Before I continue, yes, I am in a similar situation. I
could very well relate to what you disclose, and to your victiimization,
though your ex's ex's family is extraordinarily emotionally abusive. This
should give you hope, for if you document as another poster recommended,
including dates and times and context on all documentation, the courts will
have something to work with. They are accustomed to parties lambasting each
other randomly and tune it out. They will, however, perk up if you appear
in court with lots of documentation and little anger. I gather you are not
in the U.S. as I am, but I am sure all civil procedures/attitudes are pretty
standard.

What I next need to say is critical to your case but will take some real
effort on your part. Do not allow the 'ex' entourage to goad you into
emotional tirade. Have you heard the saying, "kill with kindness"?
Kindness is not possible but civility is and it's actually showing a
kindness to people like these to treat them with civility. So, show your
children the sharp contrast between behaviors. Show the ex you are a cut
(or many 'cuts') above their low standard. Do not engage in argument or
stand-off.

In the example of the original post I believe you should have met the
refusal of the other party to accomodate the childs needs with an
accomodation of the child's needs. This models selflessness to the child.
Unless there is a restraining order you could have brought the things over
to the other parent's car and thus had the child on her way without undue
anxiety on her part.

Next time there is a potential confrontation . . . and believe me, I know
how hard this is . . . keep your eyes on your child and not on the ex and
her miserable entourage. There are other ways to vent your emotions. Focus
upon the day their true selfish and destructive intent will be revealed in
court and do not engage.

lazyike67
2005-10-05 16:00:52 UTC
Permalink
Post by Teresa & Peter
I have three children from previous relationships(one that lives at home)
and my husband has two children from his first marriage. Both of his
children live with their unbelievably controlling mother some 4 and a half
hours away in a remote country town.
The X won a trial late last year to relocate with the children, not for any
specific reason except that parts of her family had moved to the area (I
could go on and on about this woman...)
First off you have to PROVE that the mother and Grandmother are abusive.
right now we only have YOUR woord for it and the X will of course play
innocent. However if you videotaped EVERY exchange saved EVERY phone
recording then this CAN be used to prove the unfit conditions the kids
are living in.

Do the kids have access to a computer over there? If not then maybe
having ex overhear you telling one of the kids she is FORBIDDEN to "use
a computer alone like that again" Maybe to sho you up the mom will not
olny get the children a computer but NOT monitor the usage just to get
back at you. Now if this happens there are recording divices that can
be hooked up to the computer. Have the youngest record the trip home.
Then send it via e-mail.

When the woman wants to change the custody agreement yet again you will
not only have video evidence but Audio evidence PROVING she is an unfit
parent.

Or a more simple thing would be to request a plain clothes Police
officer ride to the exchange with you. Testomony from a Cop who
witnesses this would move the corts more to your side than hers.

Either way untill you can offer hard evidence she is abusive then the
courts will just ignore you.

Ike
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