When parents get divorced when a child is young, things can often times get messy. It gets even more complicated when one of the parents begins to date again, or, even gets married. Some parents find it hard to transition from marriage to divorce and then to remarriage and in turn – it complicates things for the children. However, there are those who do it so effortlessly, that it inspires all of us to be better people and less judgmental.
Mom Hayley Booth recently shared a Facebook post online that has gone viral for the most incredible reason – because she’s a good person who cares about her child and her family, no matter how crazy life may get.
The post reads:
Often times I have people ask me how my ex, his wife, my husband and I co-parent so flawlessly.
My answer is always the same– We just love our daughter.
?
Seriously, it’s just that simple.
We all love her, and nothing will ever change that.
No child deserves to be tossed around back and forth, used as a bargaining chip, or to be put in the middle of any adult drama. She didn’t choose to be born, and she certainly never chose for her parents to get divorced.Why would we make her life any harder by making her choose which set of parents to love?
My daughter calls her bonus mommy ‘Mommy’.. and you know what? That’s okay, because that’s what she is to her, she IS her mommy. She is there for her always, she takes care of her, she plays with her, she teaches her life lessons and how she should behave, she gives her hugs and kisses goodnight, she does everything any mother would do.. But most of all she loves her like she is her own. It takes a very special woman to take a child that they didn’t give birth to, under their wing and become their mother.
I see so many women say ‘I would never let my child call another woman mom or mommy, because she’s NOT her mom I AM!’
Well you know what? You’re being selfish. If you are lucky enough for your ex to have a woman who loves YOUR child or children like their own, and one who helps raise them and shape them, why would you not allow them to call a woman they love mommy? Why would you put your child in the position to feel like they have to choose who they love?
I would never tell my daughter she can’t call her bonus mommy ‘mommy’ because it would hurt her deeply. She is her mommy not only when she spends time with her dad, but all the time.
Sometimes you just have to put the petty little things aside, to raise your child to be the amazing human being they are meant to be.
My daughter isn’t the only one who loves her bonus mommy, I love her too. She’s become one of my best friends and I rely on her for many things. She is one of the strongest people I know, and I am thankful for her everyday.
Don’t tell me that peaceful coparenting isn’t possible, because it is.
I know it is. Because I do it everyday.It takes a village to raise a child, and I am beyond thankful for my village!
Are you?
Pictured- Our daughter and her two mommies walking her to her classroom on the first day of school.
Here’s the photo accompanying the post she wrote, which, is definitely moving.
People were so moved, they began commenting and sharing the post to inspire others to act in the same way Booth has here. Some people left comments like:
This brought tears to my eyes. I can only hope other mothers (or my ex’s future wife)can have your mindset
This is beautiful and I’m sharing it. From one bonus mom to a mom who loves her bonus mom, I think this is extraordinary. It takes a village, together….plus they literally won’t be able to get away with anything as a teenager with 4 parents haha
I totally agree! I raised my children the same way! Their father didn’t stay in their lives long. However their bonus mom is still there and one of my dearest friends!
Talk about parenting goals!