Do you think the following is in the best interest of children?

Question

The couple in question have shared custody of their children (7 and 9) The mother does not want to pick up their children from their father's place and does not want their father to pick up their children from her place when there is no school or day care. She only wants to exchange their children from a MacDonald parking. I want to emphasize that there is no reason whatsoever on her part to want to exchange children in a MacDonald parking. The father wants their children to be exchanged at their respective home because he believes that they are not commodities and is about respect and dignity. The children do not want to be exchanged at MacDonald parking either, especially the boy saying that he is not a hamburger. The father is suggesting, if she does not want his place or her place, at least to exchange them at a family home when they are with her but when they are with him, he wants them to be pick up from his place. What do you think?

Answer 1

Could be a fun case study to see if the kids grow up avoiding McDonalds, due to the trauma.

Answer 2

Hmm. Ideally, both parents would do whatever was in the best interest of the children, and if the kids are saying "We don't want to be picked up at the McDonald's," then they should be exchanged at the respective homes. Maybe it's time for a family meeting, because divorced or not, two parents who share children, especially young children, are still family. The kids can tell Mom they don't like the current arrangement, that it makes them feel bad, and see if everyone can come up with an alternative that's acceptable to all.

Answer 3

The father is right. I'd look into a change of custody rules if this continues, or simply refuse to do the parking lot swap.

Answer 4

a public place is the best as far as i am concerned my wifes ex wants to come and pick up the child at our house and i absolutely refuse to let him in the door. he doesn't need to be there has no business there. same in that situtation neither should be at the others house it will give the children false hope of getting back together.

Answer 5

I think the children should be picked up from the home. The only thing I can think of is someone is hiding something.

Answer 6

Lots of people do it that way.
Another alternative is to use social services as a mediator.
There is nothing wrong with her wanting to exchange in a public setting.

Answer 7

i personally would be wandering why she did not want the father to pick up the children at her home...and i agree with you i do not think children should be treated like that and handed over in mcdonalds parking lot....i really have to wander why she is insisting on doing this............

Answer 8

Unless you are the mother or father I would say there is probably more to the story then you know. Sounds like a possible domestic violence issue to me.