For the vast majority of us, our lives change drastically on the day we become parents.
Physically there’s no major, sudden adjustment, but I can attest to the mental shift that takes place when you welcome another life into the world. On the day my son was born, I swore a vow to myself to always be there for him, no matter the situation or circumstance.
I know that I’ll care for him and nurture him until such a time as he no longer needs it, and then I’ll continue anyway, because that’s what being a parent is.
I also like to think that no matter what happens between my partner and I, no matter how our lives may change, we’re both in agreement that our child’s happiness comes first. Put simply, we’re both reading from the same page in terms of doing our best to ever avoid disappointing him or, God forbid, leaving him with doubts that he might carry into the future.
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It sounds simple on paper – what parent doesn’t want the best for their child – but all too often can kids be left by the wayside when their parents fall out or separate. Not literally, you understand, but children becoming estranged from their father or, in rarer cases, their mother, isn’t all that uncommon.
The story of Kelsey Johnson garnered plenty of attention when it first came to light a few years ago. The girl, whose parents had split up, had reportedly gotten highlights in her hair for her birthday, only for her father and step-mom to chop her hair off as they didn’t agree with the new style.
Posted by Christin Johnson on Sunday, July 23, 2017
Naturally, Kelsey’s mom, Christin, was left furious. She took to Facebook to share pictures of Kelsey with the world – and many people who interacted with her post shared her anger.
Christin wrote: “This is what my daughter looked like Sunday when I took her home and the other two pics is what happened today before she was brought to me… all over me having highlights put in her hair for her birthday!“
This is what my daughter looked like Sunday when I took her home and the other two pics is what happened today before she was brought to me… all over me having highlights put in her hair for her birthday!
Posted by Christin Johnson on Wednesday, January 31, 2018
Christin’s Facebook post accumulated over 60,000 interactions and 6,000 comments, many of which condemned Kelsey’s father for chopping off her hair simply because she’d gotten highlights.
“Exhusband for a reason. What a nutcase he is. Your daughter is beautiful & strong. He is intimidated by powerful women. Keep up the great work mama!” one person wrote.
Another added: “Your ex-husband is very stupid. This is father? I’m sorry.. Your daughter is beautiful! keep her away from him, he is a sick man!“
“This post broke my heart,” a third wrote. “Some parents have no idea what kind of impact that can have on a young lady. I am so sorry. I am so glad things are looking up!
A fourth commented: “That is child abuse. He and his wife have a cruel streak. I would recommend that you not be alone with them.“
After her mother’s post went viral, Kelsey’s local community rallied around her in support. A friend of Christin’s took Kelsey out to purchase her a wig, and Christin gave a later update expressing her thanks, writing:
“I’d like to thank the ladies at Lady Jane’s on Glendale in Toledo, OH for making my baby feel more like herself! Especially Haylee Ann for taking her to pick out her new hair. She got her smile back because of you ladies and your selfless acts of kindness! We truly appreciate you ladies so much! Haylee, you are the best God mother to Kelsey and the bond you two share is incredible, we love you so much!“
I’d like to thank the ladies at Lady Jane’s on Glendale in Toledo, OH for making my baby feel more like herself!…
Posted by Christin Johnson on Saturday, February 3, 2018
I won’t lie, Christin’s initial post left me upset over how any parent could do something like that to their child. What do you think Christin’s reaction should have been? Let us know in the comments.
