In today’s world, we often hear distressing tales of families being fractured by resentment and anger following a divorce. However, parents have a duty to their children, regardless of whether they choose to stay together or not.
Demonstrating positive behavior is one of the most effective ways to impart valuable life lessons to your children.
Codie LaChelle McPhate, now 32, experienced her parents’ divorce at the tender age of four, and both have since moved on to new relationships.
Recently, when Codie’s biological father visited her in Austin, Texas, he did something that prompted her to grab her camera phone immediately.
As divorce rates continue to climb, many parents are recognizing the significance of setting a good example for their children, even amidst the difficulties of being a divorced couple.
Experts emphasize that co-parenting, even among separated or divorced individuals, greatly benefits children by helping them feel cherished and validating their emotions.
According to the Huffington Post, this approach can lead to improved behavior, increased self-esteem, and greater confidence in children.
Codie’s father certainly seems to share this perspective. After their separation, Codie’s parents made a conscious effort to maintain a friendly relationship for the benefit of their children.
While at her mom’s house, Codie glanced out the front window and was delighted to see her father mowing her mother’s lawn.
She captured the moment in photos and later shared them on her Facebook page, where they quickly gained popularity.
“This is my dad mowing my mom’s lawn. They’ve been divorced for 28 years. My mom has bad knees, and my stepdad is busy with workouts…”
Here’s what she expressed:
“This is my dad, mowing my mom’s lawn. They’ve been divorced 28 years.
My mom has bad knees, and my stepdad works out of town. When my younger siblings questioned, ‘Why is your dad mowing mom’s lawn?,’ I told them, ‘Because, she needed help, and he knew she couldn’t get out here to do it, so he did.’
This is co-parenting. This is how lucky I am to have 4 parents who respect each other, and know that at the end of the day, the only thing that matters is showing your children (Even ones that are 32 years old) how to treat people, and how to love your family, no matter how it came together.
My dad is with me in Texas on vacation. He doesn’t even live here where my mom lives. So not only did he do something selflessly for her, he did it for her while he was on his VACATION. He wants everyone to know, ‘I’m no saint.’ He just wants to show others that you don’t need to act like an angelic pastor on lent, but that we should all choose kindness whenever we can.
My dad said he didn’t do this for the recognition. He said my mom and he decided when they we going through their divorce they would both choose to be adults and treat each other with respect and compassion, because no matter how their marriage ended, they both loved each other very much at one point, and that, that love – counts for something. That if they were going to raise their children to be good, kind people, they needed to be good kind people.
I’m very fortunate to have such amazing parents. I know my moms and dads would do anything for each other, because we’re family. I’m very fortunate to have such amazing parents.”
I can’t think of a more accurate statement! If you feel the same way, please let me know that you believe Codie’s father is truly a remarkable person, showcasing both humility and grace. This is a perfect example of maturity and compassion.
