When we think of couples going through "an ugly divorce," people often assume that if one side is being a bully, it's the man. We instantly imagine it's the poor ex-wife who is left to struggle under his oppression and vicious attacks — emotionally, financially, and sometimes even physically.
Honestly, I thought that, too, until one of my male family members went through a divorce years ago. Then it became painfully obvious that there are plenty of toxic ex-wife bullies out there.
Are you a toxic ex-wife? No one wants to admit so, of course. We all believe we're in the right by default, but are you?
Here are three tell-tale signs you are engaging in toxic behavior in your post-divorce relationship, not him:
1. You manipulate by withholding child visitation.
This is one of the cruelest and most vicious ex-wife bully tactics. Obviously, if your ex is a true threat to the safety of your children, the court should become involved.
Outside of that, deciding to not let your ex see the children because you're mad at him — because he has a new girlfriend, or gave the kids junk food, or said something unkind to you — is not a reason to keep your children from their father. Nor is you wanting increased child support more important than their time and relationship with their dad.
According to a study, 77 percent of non-custodial fathers are not able to 'visit' their children, as ordered by the court, as a result of 'visitation interference' perpetuated by the custodial parent."
FYI: that's you, Mom!
In other words, moms not honoring
court-ordered visitation is a significantly bigger problem (3 times bigger, actually) than dads not honoring court-ordered child support.
And you better believe keeping your children from building a relationship with their father impacts them negatively.
2. You undermine and belittle your ex-husband's parenting.
You desperately want to believe that you are the only "good parent." Everything your ex-husband does with the kids is stupid, shocking, terrible ... and wrong. If they dare to parent differently than you, you criticize. And if they actually follow your parenting style, you imply they continually fall short in some way.
But here's the thing, Mom: those potshots at your ex actually damage your children. Those mean-spirited "in the moment," "no big deal" comments carry enormous short and long-term repercussions for kids.
It's like a poison you contaminate every conversation with, sending the message, "your father is wrong and loving him is wrong."
Oh, and that subtle way you initiate conversations with your children for the sole purpose of berating their father (oh, yes, you do) is nothing but an obvious (and selfish) attempt to drive a wedge between your kids and their father. You better believe both your kids and your ex know what you're up to.
3. You micro-manage your ex's interactions with the kids to prove you're the boss.
Your ex is taking the kids camping? You send along sunscreen and bug spray. Your ex asks if he can pick the kids up at 6 pm, and you say 6:30 pm just to make him wait. Your ex says he's going to take the kids to a new movie, so you take them first before his visitation day. When your ex's parents gift your child with money for her birthday, you take it and tell her you'll decide how she'll spend it.
You're a control freak. Why? Because the thought of your children being entirely fine without you drives you crazy!
Even worse, the thought of your children happily getting along with your ex's new girlfriend or wife really sends you into a fury.
Your emotions are understandable (perhaps), but your poor behavior in response to them is not okay.
Newsflash: You don't get to control what happens at your ex's house. You don't get a say in how or when he moves on to a new relationship. And you definitely don't get to pick what toothpaste the kids use at his house.
If your child isn't in true danger (in which case you need to speak to the court, not your ex), your opinion on anything else is entirely unwelcome.
So, does this sound like you? Are you a toxic ex-wife?
If so, please know you can do something about it. Changing your behavior won't happen overnight, but for your children's sake ... you need to knock it off.
Comentários