feedback for "Father's Day"

1. I loved this article, but I have one comment: if you really want your kids to feel as if they have a permanent home at your place and aren't merely visiting, you should consider moving into a place where they'll have their own actual rooms and real, permanent beds. I'm not sure settling them on air mattresses and having them displace you and your gf to a sofa bed isn't exactly giving them a sense of belonging. Other than that, more power to you for making a tough situation work. Your kids sound great.
   

   posted by : squawks on 8/16/2007 at 2:32 PM Flag For Abuse

2. This is beautiful.  I agree, you have to come into your own as a parent.  Thanks for honestly disclosing this insight. Your children are very lucky.
   

   posted by : Mamacita1 on 8/16/2007 at 7:58 PM Flag For Abuse

3. I could certainly be a better mother if I only had to do it for 24 hours a week.  Actually even just having one day off every week like your ex does would be great too.  Unfortunately I actually like my husband so I guess I'm stuck with the seven day plan.    It's easy to get all high and mighty and judge those who live the way you have chosen.  Who knows which is better?  You're probably going to get a lot of yapping at you about how you are damaging your kids.  But kids living in a hostile environment are far worse off.    And I disagree with the previous comment about getting them their own rooms.  It sounds like what you're doing works just fine, and they aren't growing up with the annoying sense of abundance and entitlement that most kids have today.    Good luck to you.  It sounds like you're doing everything you can to make your kids have a great life, which is really the point afterall.

   posted by : bstreech on 8/16/2007 at 10:06 PM Flag For Abuse

4. I think that you have made the progress that you have been yearning for, but I have to wonder if you would enjoy these "great" times with your kids if you left your girlfriend home for a weekend. You refer to her almost constantly and I can't help but guess what these weekends would be like with her absent.

   posted by : eliteworld on 8/18/2007 at 10:47 PM Flag For Abuse

5. I disagree with the above poster. I think, if you are serious about this girlfriend and you want her in your life, she should be around the kids. Especially if they seem to enjoy being around her as appears to be the case.

   posted by : familytime on 12/11/2008 at 6:12 AM Flag For Abuse

6. I have to agree with one of the above posters that it must seem easier to parent when you only do it one day a week. You don't have to get them ready for school, or make them do their homework, or deal with all the stresses that come with being a full time parent.
   
   That being said, I do believe that it is better for the kids to be in a less hostile environment. Nothing good came come of them seeing you and your ex fighting, and every child's home should be a safe haven, not a battle ground.
   
   Though I do agree that they should have their own space. I don't think the noter above understands the importance of the children having their own space. How can they believe they live with both you and your ex wife if they go from mom's, where they have their toys, and beds etc. to dad's where they sleep on air mattresses and kick the girlfriend out of her bedroom ( assuming she lives with you, that wasn't clear ).
   
   It isn't about entitlment or spoiling, its about them feeling they have their own space. Even if they all have to share a room. Though I understand if a one bedroom is what you can afford, divorce is expensive!

   posted by : angelica on 3/2/2009 at 11:11 AM Flag For Abuse