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avatarTeresa
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My 13y/o is expressing a desire to live w her father. It's a toss up as to which is best environment.

AT her fathers house lives a boy close by that she is infatuated with. He already expressed confusion about his sexuality. They and a few other friends mentioned are obsessed with Johnny Depp. She acts out every word of the musical with the barber and Mrs. Lovitt. She says she wants to live with her Father because I'm always @ work. I work 2 jobs. He has never paid child support. Do you think she could be mature enough to make such an adult decision?

Question applies to ages: 13

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avatarAnonymous First of all, what does her father think of this possible arrangement? I'd say if he isn't up for it, it doesn't really matter if that's what your daughter wants.

Another something to think about (since you don't mention why her father doesn't pay child support, I'm going to assume it is because you don't ask for any - optimistic, I know) is the fact that if she moves in with her father, you may end up paying support. Is that something you can afford?

As someone with a step-child, my husband and I dealt with this issue with his daughter. She lives with us and always has, but we heard, "I want to live with my mom" on more than one occasion, usually because she was mad at one of us.

I do think a child your daughter's age is old enough to have a say in where she wants to live, but is definitely not mature enough to make the final decision. In the end you have to decide what is best for her and she probably does not yet know what that is.
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avatarLizInHolt
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Top 5 in: Career Training, Choosing College, Depression and Mental Health, Discipline, Families and Relationships, Health and Wellness, Home Learning and Field Trips, Learning Disabilities and Special Needs, Learning Styles, Manners and Values, Parenting Support, Parents and Schools, Safety, School Policy and Education Issues, Setting Goals and Getting Motivated, Study Skills and Academics, Transitions and Readiness, Students' Civil RightsTop 5 in 18 Topics		 I agree with Anonymous - her feelings should be taken into consideration but you're the parent, and are responsible for her well-being and what's best for her. She's too young to realize the ramifications of making this kind of life-changing move. And as the other person said, if her father isn't paying child support, it sure seems as if he can't afford to raise her, let alone want to. Follow your instincts; it sounds as if you already have doubts that it would be a good thing for your daughter.
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