"I'm a divorced mother with one 9-year-old son, "Simon." My ex and I share custody equally, and generally get along well. Also conveniently, he lives two blocks down from where I do, so when it comes time to switch off who has Simon, it's a simple 5-minute walk. I'm writing this on a Sunday, and Simon was with my ex; I was expecting him to hand our son off after dinner like we usually do."
"So I was sleeping in a bit and just taking it easy when I heard the door open, followed by footsteps. I was a bit panicked and went to see what it was, only to find out it was Simon. He had finished his chores and his homework, and wanted to work on this diorama he'd been building of an old-timey western town. He had left it here, so he just up and went over to get it."
Divorced parents share custody of a nine-year-old named Simon and live two blocks apart, making exchanges a short walk. One usual evening Simon moved between homes unaccompanied to retrieve a diorama, with the father's apparent approval. The mother was surprised and panicked upon finding he had crossed streets alone after finishing chores and homework. The mother is uncertain whether to address the situation with the father, worries about potential risks during unsupervised trips, and seeks guidance on whether to raise the issue, how to phrase concerns, and how to manage resulting anxiety.
Read at Slate Magazine
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