Co-parenting can feel like navigating a complex maze filled with obstacles at every turn. It’s not just about figuring out schedules or splitting time; it’s about making sure your child feels secure and loved in both homes. Even the most dedicated parents know that raising a child across two households comes with its share of challenges. And then, there are those who seem to complicate things even further by opting for the bare minimum.
Take, for instance, a recent TikTok video by creator Chloe (@chloekhloe7). She highlights a frustrating but all-too-common scenario in co-parenting dynamics. The crux of her argument centers around a Facebook post from a father who was left feeling bewildered when he picked up his child for the week, only to find that the mother had sent him off with a meager supply of wipes, three diapers, and a single set of pajamas. His incredulous question, “Why would you send him to be with me, the dad, with nothing?” reflects a larger issue—namely, the expectation of both parents to contribute equally to their child’s well-being.
Chloe’s candid response gets right to the heart of the matter. She questions why one parent wouldn’t prepare adequately for a child they know they’ll be caring for. “You knew damn well you was finna get your child for a week, yet you had no means to pick up what you think your child would need for that f*cking week?” Her frustration is palpable and resonates with many parents who often find themselves in similar situations.
Her video revealed a surprising number of comments in defense of the dad, which astonished her. Both men and women echoed similar sentiments: If you’re going to spend time with your child, don’t you want to be prepared? “Am I sending my baby with the other parent or am I sending my baby with a babysitter?” she bluntly challenges.
Chloe herself navigates this situation every weekend, sending her child to spend time with his father. She shares that she only sends along the clothes he’s wearing, confident that the other parent should have everything else sorted. “A lot of these dads be mad when they get called ‘deadbeats,’” she points out, succinctly calling out the lack of responsibility many fathers seem to exhibit. “You had the means and the time to go get prepared for your child to come be with you, yet you still rely on his mama?”
This conversation dives deep into a parent’s role. Chloe reminds us, “You’re not watching your niece or your nephew. You’re watching your own seed: why do you not have what you need for your own?” The comments section is flooded with voices echoing her sentiment. One mother asserts, “Hell no. The only thing she takes is a stuffed animal or something like that if she wants it.” Another parent raises the question of basic needs, pondering, “If he didn’t have diapers and clothes for this baby, does he have age-appropriate food? Where is this baby sleeping?”
The frustration is palpable; how can a parent think this way? One commenter succinctly states, “The way some of these guys would cry if they were actually held to 50/50,” portraying a stark reality many parents face regarding shared responsibilities. Another offers a heartfelt plea: “Lord please help these Daddys understand what it means to be a Daddy!”
This outpouring of support for Chloe’s stance highlights a fundamental truth about parenting: it’s hard, yes, but it’s also an incredible privilege. Engaging actively in a child’s life isn’t just a responsibility; it’s a gift that shapes both the parent and the child for a lifetime.
In co-parenting, communication and preparation go hand in hand. If you’re not willing to put in the effort, the outcome will reflect that. It’s simple—if you want the joy of parental experiences, you have to show up, not just physically but emotionally and practically.
Image Source: GrooveZ / Shutterstock
