My ex wife won't let me babysit my own child while i am laid off work. She will only let her parents watch him. We have joint custody, and I think I should have more time with my son than his grandparents.
2007-02-14 09:21:49 · 15 answers · asked by Anonymous in Family & Relationships ➔ Marriage & Divorce
i am caught up and stay on schedule with my child support. I am laid off for 2 months every year because of construction. My ex-wife never had a problem with this when we were married, and my working is not the question. Previous responses to this question had a lot to say about going out to find a job. Some of you should realize, that some of us save money, because we know what the future brings.
2007-02-15 03:48:57 · update #1
If your divorce decree gives you first right of refusal, then you should be the first person who is offered parenting time if she is unable to be with the children.
2007-02-14 09:30:48 · answer #1 · answered by camys_daddy 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Children are not accessories to what you WANT and to be bounced around based on what annual work schedule is convenient for you -- of course your son should stay with his grandparents if that is where they receive CONSISTENT, QUALITY care and if these are the people they have grown accustomed to being with.
A real father looks at the situation only from the standpoint of what the baby needs / what is best for him, not on what he (the father) would like.
Even if the grandparents are watching him, you can spend time with the baby -- go visit at their place, be wonderful to the grandparents (certainly thankful for what they have been doing, for all of the time / care they give your boy) and just make this work so that everyone in this boy's life gets along and makes things easier for him.
And as for planning / saving b/c you know you will not be working for 2 months every year, why don't you plan instead to have some other work lined up during those two months. Put the money aside for emergencies, for your son's college, for a nice gift to thank the grandparents for what they are doing -- be a truly stand-up, class guy and this example for your boy as he grows up will be the best care you can provide for him.
2007-02-17 03:08:23 · answer #2 · answered by Finnale 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
What do you mean she "won't let" you watch him? I believe that if you have joint custody, then you have the right to keep him with you when he's in your care. However, your ex-wife is probably just worried that you will get used to staying home and not get a job, leaving her with all of the bills. I suggest you get on unemployment and keep your son with you, while ACTIVELY SEEKING EMPLOYMENT. If you like staying home, then look for something where you can work from home. If you need to go out for interviews, then leave him with his grandparents. Good luck in your job search and enjoy your son.
P.S- You can't "babysit" your own child.
2007-02-14 17:27:10 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Since it sounds like you are divorced, there should be visitation arrangements already made and that is all she has to allow. Not knowing the whole story or situation, it is hard to answer your question. Maybe she has a good reason for not wanting the child with you more, or maybe she is just being spiteful. Yes, as long as you are a good parent, she should let you see the child more and do the babysitting, but no, she doesn't have to.
2007-02-14 17:26:04 · answer #4 · answered by Kevin J 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Maybe she wants you to go find a job instead of staying with your child during the day. However, if you have joint custody, you should be able to take care of your child. I don't know how to make her let you have your son, but I agree you should be able to watch him... unless there is some reason we don't know about that makes her not willing to let you.
2007-02-14 17:26:43 · answer #5 · answered by Proud to be 59 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
If, even though you are unemployed, you are financially capable of taking care of the child, I don't see any reason other than her rudeness to not let you take care of the child. If you think you will be unemployed for a long time, then you can have the decree changed.
2007-02-14 17:25:36 · answer #6 · answered by Wookie on Water 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I don't understand why she won't let you. It sounds like she's being a b*@%!. I think you watching the child while you're unemployed would be the best for him/her instead of going to some strangers house.
2007-02-14 17:28:39 · answer #7 · answered by dlnmllr 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Get up off your butt and go look for work rather than whining about not being able to spend time with your child while you sit on your butt. Your child NEEDS to be financially supported and your unimployment insurance isn't going to last forever.
2007-02-14 17:32:17 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
I think that's crazy. Of course you should be able to watch your child. You watch him when you have visiting time with him right? It might be something you need to take to court if she isn't following the living arrangement you two have set up.
2007-02-14 17:26:25 · answer #9 · answered by akivi73 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You should be spending that time looking for another job, if you are watching your boy you won't have time to search for work. Legally you have the right to take care of your son, but what is better for him in the long run......a father who has a job and can support him, or a father that does not have a job and on the verge of losing everything?
2007-02-14 17:25:15 · answer #10 · answered by Scotty 6 · 0⤊ 3⤋