Personally, I can only imagine how gut-wrenching it must be to lose custody of a child you love.
Whether it’s due to a difficult divorce, health, or financial reasons, it’s never easy.
There can be all sorts of reasons, and even when you believe it’s in the child’s best interest, that doesn’t necessarily make it any easier.
For better or for worse, sometimes grandparents step in to help out, but as any adult who has butted heads with their parents knows–negotiating the relationship as equal adults just adds another layer of complexity to the situation.
Here, 10 non-custodial parents explain why their own parents are raising their beloved children.
1. Sometimes it’s a matter of age
They worry about children raising children. But they may not stop to think about how it can breed a lot of resentment.
(On top of whatever baggage was already there.)
Image credit: Whisper
2. The prejudices of youth can give way to other prejudices
You really have to hope there’s some kind of legal recourse for situations like this.
3. Sometimes bad choices in bad partners haunt you forever
It’s not really fair, since they’re not together anymore.
4. When there’s a joint agreement that goes wrong
They’re probably banking on you not involving the courts, just to keep the peace.
5. Often there is substance abuse involved
But don’t lose hope. The only way from the bottom is up.
6. Unfortunately sometimes the terms and conditions can’t be agreed on
And then what do you do, when they’re manipulating you?
Image credit: Whisper
7. Sometimes an offer of help comes back to haunt you
You don’t want to seem ungrateful, but how do you help them learn to let go?
8. Even worse is when you’re trapped in a bad situation
It’s bad for your health, but there’s no where to turn.
9. It can be a double-edged sword
Is it better to be trapped in a bad situation, or shut out completely?
Image credit: Whisper
10. And sometimes, a parent has to choose what’s best for their child
No matter how much it hurts them to do so.
My heart aches for every one of these parents, and I hope everything works out for them in the end.
Do you have thoughts on other reasons someone might let their own parents raise their children? Tell us in the comments.
