Mother Seeks Advice on Bringing Child to New Home
A reader writes to Papa Joe seeking guidance on a delicate family situation. The sender, who had a child from a previous live-in relationship, now lives with a new partner and has two children with him. Her 15-year-old child from the earlier relationship wants to live with her, but she fears her partner will not agree. She worries that her partner is ashamed of her having a child from her youth.
The Dilemma
The mother explains that her child has been moving from place to place, and she feels pity for him. She wants to take him in but is afraid to even ask her partner, as he has previously refused similar requests. She senses that her partner may be embarrassed about others knowing she had a child before their relationship.
Papa Joe's Advice
Papa Joe responds with empathy, acknowledging that it is natural for a mother to feel compassion for her child, especially one who has been unstable. He advises the mother to approach the conversation with her partner gradually and honestly. She should express her true feelings and ask her partner why he is against the idea. If her partner truly loves her, he must understand her role as a mother. A calm and sincere discussion might change his perspective.
