A mother asks, "How much involvement should my new boyfriend have with my kids?"
Q
I have been dating a man for a year and a half. He has never been married and doesn't have any kids. My girls are 6 and 14. He feels he should be able to interact and have decisions in their lives. He even feels that if I don't agree with the "rule" he believes in and knows is "right," I should still follow his thought and discipline accordingly. We have discussed marriage, but we are not engaged and we do not live together. My question: How much involvement should he have with my kids?
A
You are your children's parent and it is your right and obligation to establish your family's values, rules and discipline without being badgered by your boyfriend to do these things his way. Any positive, supportive and caring interaction with your kids on the part of your boyfriend is a plus, as long as it complements how you are parenting your children. But it appears that this man's philosophy is "it's my way or the highway" when it comes to parenting decisions.
Your kids should not be subjected to this man's orders, discipline or negative comments about them or their behavior. You will not be able to change his ways by marrying him. There will only be more of this behavior in the future, especially if you marry. You are your children's champion and advocate and their well-being is your top priority. I suggest that you strongly reconsider maintaining a relationship with a man who bullies you about discipline issues.
