I am a single mom of three. I consider myself a good mom and a good person. I realize this world isn't always fair, but I am a stern believer in what is right. We all have different beliefs and morals, but there is a basic common sense idea of what is considered "the right thing to do."
I try to be fair to others and see their points of view, but in the last few years of going through the system in regards to child support and what is, I believe, common sense and the right thing to do is practically nonexistent.
I have become angry, sad, disappointed, and, frankly, disgusted in how the children in our country are treated when it comes to enforcing child support.
I am not talking about supporting the custodial parent's lifestyle and maybe using those funds as a source of income. I am talking about single primary custodial parents being put in a helpless and desperate situation trying to raise and provide for children alone.
It is scary enough being a single parent in an amicable situation co-parenting for the benefit of the children. But, if you are in a single parent situation in which the other parent has abandoned the children physically, financially, and emotionally it is the scariest place to be.
It is a full time job providing for basic needs, but being alone in raising responsible, emotionally stable children it is not only unfair to you, but more so for the children.
I have found in the last few years that there is not anywhere near enough done to enforce child support. In many cases, the irresponsible parent is almost taught how to avoid paying. The present and responsible parent is seen as aggressive and the system appears to be more focused on protecting the deadbeat parent's rights while ignoring any rights the children might have.
AND, they do have rights. They have a right to be fed, clothed, kept warm, and nurtured in a positive way. These rights, along with rights of the custodial parent are being abused everyday. In my tireless, incomplete effort to get what is right and just for my children, I have found a never ending merry go round.
This blog is titled SOFT. It stands for: Support Our Future Today
We have to stand up and speak out for our childrens' rights. They need our support today because in our failure to do so, it will directly affect their futures in so many ways. Soft, to me, is a description of the delicate and innocent children we are trying to protect. We want them to become strong adults, but we first have to cater to that so fragile state. Please join me in our venting, sharing of information and advice in giving our children a voice and protecting their rights and future.
