This tip brought to you by our Dad Guru John Valadez
on Sep 02, 2009
I write another blog about being a Single Parent, which I am. I have my girls with me full-time, but my ex-wife has custody privileges. I allow her have our children over the weekend, even though her custody privileges are to see them for six hours every other Saturday. The custody is laid out for the benefit of our children. My ex-wife has improved herself, her situation and her attitude to a point where I am beginning to trust her again after many years of hardship and turmoil. You can read all about my journey at - http://singleparentplus2.com – if you like. The story is quite interesting. There are times when her temper flairs up and she starts demanding things again; and I see the “old” ex-wife that would get what she wanted all the time.
How do you handle such flair up?
That’s why were divorced and have a court certified divorce decree. That piece of paper has gotten me out of many a peculiar situation. Besides, it’s just plain leverage with a capital “L”. When the “fair up” occurs I simply and very calmly remind her of the agreement and all the details.
She doesn’t like it.
I don’t like doing it.
Who wants to be reminded about something we already know to be true. I usually get the same response regarding the bad judge or my big, mean, veracious lawyer. I enjoy the remarks about my lawyer – he does too. He uses me a success story for his new and current clients. How does a man getting full custody of his two young girls? How is that not a motivating story for every single dad in America?
I don’t have to argue or criticize or condemn or complain. I just remind her we could back to the way it is outlined in the divorce and she stops immediately. It’s like I’m the ex-wife whisperer. Cesar Milan - move over. My advice for all single Dads is the same. Stick to the divorce decree. Stick to the divorce decree. Stick to the divorce decree.
