Thanks DnJ. You never fail to make me smile, or ponder, depending on the angle of your posts! This one achieved both.
Last week, I decided to make one final attempt to update the parenting plan. This is the email I sent:
Quote
Hi
I haven't heard anything further about modifying the parenting plan.
I am keen to get a new arrangement finalised so S2 can get comfortable staying overnight away from home. It took about six weeks for him to get settled without being upset at bedtime. Now that he is feeling safe and happy again, I'm planning to get him used to having sleepovers at my parents' home. I thought this would be a good opportunity for him to start having fortnightly sleepovers at your house as well, so he can be prepared for weekly overnights by age 3. I am happy to share information about his bedtime routine so there can be consistency and familiarity for him.
FYI there was a parent-teacher night recently at daycare. I spoke to S2's teachers about your concerns of helicopter parenting. She assured me that S2 is a mature, sensitive, and confident little boy who is advanced in every area of development for his age and shows no signs of anxiety or unhealthy attachment. I hope this educated assessment alleviates your concerns.
Thanks
Haven't heard anything in response yet. If he continues to stonewall, I can either a) continue with the status quo which leaves me without a legally enforceable agreement; or b) book mediation as a prerequisite for filing parenting consent orders with the court. I'm not sure what to do.
It's funny, though-- sending this email made me lose the last bit of fear I had around losing time with S2. I've called X's bluff three times now by saying 'YES, TAKE HIM!' when he starts making demands. It's been nearly a year since the first time I agreed to an increase. And here we are with the same agreement we put in place in August 2019.
