Divorced parents refuse to be in the same room as each other and their new partners, even if it means missing their 16-year-old son's competition: ‘I want mom AND dad’

Author image for Lana DeGaetano
Lana DeGaetano • "Show me to me please."
Sep 15, 2025 3:00 PM EDT

Children of divorce must often assume the role of the adult mediator between their parents because said parents cannot push their pride aside and co-parent effectively. This is unfortunate, not only because it prompts control issues in the child, but it also stunts their growth as they become an actual adult person. The 16-year-old son in this next story sees firsthand what it's like to try to mitigate the dissonance between his parents and step-parents.

The teen explains that his parents are adamant about not being in the same room, and he fears this will extend into his adulthood regarding graduations, marriage, funerals, and the like. Parents are not exempt from supporting their child just because they had a falling out during the divorce proceedings.

For those who think that there's more to the story, sure—that's usually always the case. But missing their son's important competition because they refuse to be near each other, and allowing their new partners to influence their parenting choices? Again, a case of poor parenting. Once you decide to have a child, emotional sacrifices must be made. What would you do in this situation? Scroll below to read the full story.

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family dynamics family drama entitled parents entitlement reddit story family feud parenting entitled family reddit thread parent Reddit Parenting Fail parents entitled people Parenting FAILS
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