Posted by Augusta on December 24, 2001, at 17:08:49
In reply to Husbands ex buys our son gifts........, posted by bonnie_ann on December 22, 2001, at 18:32:43
Bonnie,
My personal reaction is a very strong one -- this woman has no right to involve herself in your child's life, and you have every right to object and, indeed, to prohibit her involvement.
First of all, in general, a parent has a right to decide what other adults will be involved in his or her child's life. That goes double for who will be allowed to give a child presents, of whatever kind.
Second, I agree that this woman's motive is quite unknown. (And there is no obvious reason to assume it is a beneficent one.)
Of course, the issue has to be worked out with your husband, not only because you share your chid with him but also because it conceivably affects him on other levels as well (their autistic child, other unavoidable contacts).
I should think that, in general, a parent has a right to ask ANYONE not to give the parent's child presents. And if the person were to insist anyway, I think the parent should have the right simply to withhold the presents from the child.
Perhaps I am not being entirely fair, or perhaps there are facts I am overlooking or am unaware of. I hope that some others will also reply so that you will have a broader array of reactions to consult.
poster:Augusta
thread:15861
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20011216/msgs/15895.html