Mother’s Dilemma: Son Wants to Live with Absentee Dad, But Is It the Right Call?

Imagine being a mother, providing for your son single-handedly for 14 years, only for him to express a desire to live with his absentee father. This is the predicament of a 30-year-old woman, who we’ll refer to as ‘M’. M’s son, ‘R’, is 14 and has grown a fondness for his father, ‘A’, despite A’s history of irresponsibility and instability. Suddenly, M finds herself in a whirlwind of emotions, struggling to decide what’s best for her son.

The Irresponsible Father ‍♂️

The Stable Mother

A Difficult Past

The Bond Between Father and Son ‍

R’s Growing Desire

The Reality of A’s Life ️

The Heartbreaking Request

The Struggle to Communicate ️

The Grass is Always Greener…

The Exhausting Effort

The Unresolved Dilemma ‍♀️

A Mother’s Struggle: To Let Go or Hold On?

Caught in a whirlwind of emotions, M is left to grapple with her son’s desire to live with his absentee father. Despite A’s history of instability and irresponsibility, R’s fondness for him has grown, leaving M in a tough spot. She’s been the rock in R’s life, providing stability, love, and care. But now, she’s faced with the heartbreaking decision of whether to let her son go or to hold on. The situation is complex, and the path forward is unclear. What’s a mother to do? Let’s dive into the internet’s thoughts on this emotional dilemma.

NTA. Be honest with your son about his dad’s flaws.

Should she call the dad’s bluff or shield her son?

Engaging caption: Soft YTA for not explaining reasons to 13yo son

“YTA, your son needs to hear your story.”

Delicate situation: Son wants to live with dad. Valid concerns.

NAH. Son wants to live with dad, but needs details.

Son wants to live with absentee dad, but mom shuts it down. YTA for not communicating properly.

Engaging caption: Understanding a teenager’s perspective in a tough family situation

Therapy could help your son find happiness with his dad!

NTA, be honest with your son about his dad’s irresponsibility.

Honesty is key! Lay out the facts and protect your son.

Honesty is key! Share your concerns with compassion and understanding.

14-year-old deserves honesty and open communication from both parents. NAH

Honesty is key! Share the truth with your son.

YTA for not telling him. Give him the information he needs

Parental dilemma: Son wants to live with absentee dad. NAH.

“NTA. Give your son what he asks for, but with love. “

Engaging caption: Providing transparency and stability is crucial in this situation

Son wants to live with dad; mom’s attention on new baby.

Divorced parent dilemma: Should son live with absentee dad?

Engaging caption: NTA- Honest conversation with son about dad’s true colors

Be honest with your son to avoid manipulation by ex

“YTA, but solely because you glossed over it.” Sit him down and explain the situation to him.

Parent’s dilemma: Should they explain why? Judges value kids’ opinions.

Honesty is key: Share the truth with your son.

NAH: Son wants to live with dad, but needs reality check

Valid concerns about son living with dad, therapy may help ‍ ‍

NTA. Son feels neglected due to new baby. Wants a break.

Kids aren’t old enough to understand complex relationship dynamics. NTA

Gentle YWBIA if you don’t explain the situation. Your kid will think that you are just being strict or wanting to turn him against his dad if you don’t explain why. Better tell him the truth rather than letting him get mad at you bc of what he assumes. He’s 14, he can handle it. Also tell him why you haven’t told him before. The more you hold it off the more it’s going to sound like it’s not true, especially if his dad has influence over him. I understand protecting him (hence the gentle) but still he needs to know.

NTA, but new baby causing son to feel neglected

YTA: Kids need honesty and understanding, not trash talking relatives.

NTA, gently explain material reasons: no bedroom, bad school, legal troubles.

NAH. Explain the truth to your son about his father’s parenting.

Empower your son with the truth, but be tactful

Engaging comment and suggestion for a peaceful resolution.

Engaging in open and honest communication with your son

NTA – Explain to your son why living with dad isn’t safe

Son wants to live with dad, is 14 old enough?

Shocking! Absentee dad escapes prison, manipulates son.

ESH: A messy situation with unpaid child support and a rebellious teenager.

Honesty is key! NTA, but tell him the truth ASAP.

NTA, but shielding your son from seeing his dad’s true colors

NTA. Protect your son from potential harm and explain why.

Honesty is key! Share the whole story with your son.

NTA- Family counseling & court custody: the best solution for son

NTA. Seek professional guidance on talking to your son about his dad. ‍

NTA – Son wants to live with absentee dad. Give him the facts without personal opinions. He’ll realize soon enough.

Choosing NTA, but consider potential resentment and manipulation from ex.

“NTA. 14 year olds don’t always make the best life decisions “

Honesty is key: Explain your history with his dad respectfully

NTA for not wanting son with dad, but TA for lack of explanation.

Engaging dialogue: Parenting dilemma, communication, and potential bitterness.

Talk to your son about his feelings and make special dates ‍

Heartfelt advice from someone who’s been through a similar situation

NTA. Ex’s motive? Lay out reasoning for son’s decision. Admirable commitment.

NTA, but baby’s impact on decision is crucial.

NAH. Son needs to know the truth about vindictive dad.

NTA: Prioritizing son’s future, addressing dad’s influence, and fostering healthy relationships.

NTA, but be open about reasons. Avoid sounding dictatorial.

Engaging advice on son’s desire to live with absentee dad

Engaging comment: NAH. Helpful advice for a mother’s dilemma with custody.

NTA, but it’s time to have an honest conversation with him.

Holding her tongue paid off in the end

Engaging advice on talking to your kid about moving out.

NTA: Valid reasons to not let son live with absentee dad

NTA: Open communication is key to avoid misinterpretation.

NTA. Open up and have a real conversation with your son

Truth is important for kids, withholding can lead to resentment.

Engaging comment and advice on son’s desire to live with dad