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AIBU?

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Original poster

To think parents don't honestly behave like this...

169 replies

DumplingsAreRank · 05/04/2022 21:57

... ahead of the new serious of Waterloo Road (yes, I am that retro) I am rewatching some old series.

One of the kids, Scout, has witnessed her mother walk out with a new bloke for some "alone time" destroying her opportunity to get an education and leaving a 3 year old without a mum.

Parents wouldn't actually do this would they? It's make believe surely

OP posts:
Blimecory · 05/04/2022 22:01

Parents wouldn’t do what? Do you mean leave their children? Yes, of course they do.

LubaLuca · 05/04/2022 22:01

It's make believe surely

I've never watched it, but I'm fairly sure it's not a documentary.

Hospedia · 05/04/2022 22:01

Of course there are parents out there who do this, having a child does not automatically make someone a decent person.

BulletTrain · 05/04/2022 22:02

Yes they do. How do you think so many children end up in foster care? Plenty of older but minor children get left to care for younger ones by terrible parents.

carefullycourageous · 05/04/2022 22:03

Of course some parents leave, sadly for their children.

TV would be pretty boring if everyone just drove to Tesco and had an argument about whose turn it was to walk the dog.

Hellodarknessmyoldpal · 05/04/2022 22:03

@LubaLuca

It's make believe surely

I've never watched it, but I'm fairly sure it's not a documentary.

🤣 this was my thought too!
AnneLovesGilbert · 05/04/2022 22:04

I’ve never watched the show but of course people behave like that, and way way worse. Do you ever watch the news or read a paper? Parents murder their children, walking away would be better for some children.

SevenWaystoLeave · 05/04/2022 22:05

Is this a genuine question? Of course some parents do this, and worse. Being a parent just means you've managed to contribute some genetic material to a kid, it doesn't mean you're a good, decent or suitable person. That said, the exact show, with the exact scenario you're watching, is made up.

TinLeaf · 05/04/2022 22:05

I think you’re a little naïve

ReadyToMoveIt · 05/04/2022 22:05

Of course it’s ‘make believe’, it’s a fictional TV series Grin. Did you think it was based on a true story?

fairylightsandwaxmelts · 05/04/2022 22:09

You're being incredibly naive if you don't think there are parents out there who do this.

It happens all the time, sadly.

VeryMuchFlaggingMinty · 05/04/2022 22:09

Sadly that's the thin end of the wedge for many kids...if only it were just make believe.

Original poster
DumplingsAreRank · 05/04/2022 22:09

No I just have young children and I just find it mind blowing

OP posts:
HobnobsChoice · 05/04/2022 22:10

Yes sadly some single mothers do decide to prioritise their new squeeze over their children. And will walk out leaving a teenager to care for younger siblings. It's neglect and abandonment. Children are often taken into care as a result, many end up living with grandparents or other relatives while others go into foster care. I dealt with a family just today where Mum has decided her boyfriend is more important than her children.
Men often walk away from their children too but there is usually a mother to take care of the kids.

carefullycourageous · 05/04/2022 22:11

@DumplingsAreRank

No I just have young children and I just find it mind blowing
I find murdering someone mindblowing but I can still accept it happens.

People leave for complicated reasons and simple reasons.

ReadyToMoveIt · 05/04/2022 22:13

@DumplingsAreRank

No I just have young children and I just find it mind blowing
Well… that’s kind of the reaction the script writers are going for when they create a fictional drama series. It would be dull if it was just a programme about families arguing over homework.
StopStartStop · 05/04/2022 22:13

Taught 20 years in inner city UK. Had at least one pupil who couldn't come in because his mother had gone off, leaving him to care for the baby.

ComtesseDeSpair · 05/04/2022 22:14

If you’re a good parent it’s difficult to believe that some people are shit parents. But some people just are: they might love their children in a vague sort of way but they lack the self-control, emotional literacy and selflessness required to prioritise them and put taking care of them above what they want to do.

Hellocatshome · 05/04/2022 22:15

Yes it does really happen also far worse things than that happen in real life as well.

DreamTheMoors · 05/04/2022 22:15

”It’s make believe surely.”

I knew a fellow whose mother locked him & his siblings out the house for hours while she cheated on their father.

At seven, he was stealing from the corner shop to feed his younger brother and sister and himself.

That’s probably mild compared to the current headlines.

Kite22 · 05/04/2022 22:20

@ComtesseDeSpair

If you’re a good parent it’s difficult to believe that some people are shit parents. But some people just are: they might love their children in a vague sort of way but they lack the self-control, emotional literacy and selflessness required to prioritise them and put taking care of them above what they want to do.
This

though I do like the pp who pointed out it isn't a documentary.

LadyCatStark · 05/04/2022 22:22

You wouldn’t believe the things that are considered the norm in some households ☹️.

Original poster
DumplingsAreRank · 05/04/2022 22:22

And of course I know it’s not a documentary

OP posts:
HollowedOut · 05/04/2022 22:24

Have you ever watched tv or read a newspaper before?

user1745 · 05/04/2022 22:24

Some parents are quite emotionally immature and find it difficult to put their child's needs above their own wants. Especially if they were very young themselves when they became parents, though of course plenty of young mothers are still great parents. Sometimes there are learning difficulties involved.

So yes it does happen unfortunately but it's naturally mind boggling to most parents.

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