As a San Diego divorce lawyer who has clients dealing with co-parenting issues, a predominate theme my clients deal with is when their child wants to watch a TV show that includes adult-oriented subjects. While one parent is able to control what their child watches in their home, their ability to control what the child watches with the other parent is limited at best.
Similar to issues such as what a child should eat, what time they should go to bed, or what clothes a child should be allowed to wear, what the child should watch on TV is an area that is usually controlled by the parent with whom the child is staying at a certain time. Additionally, this is an area that the Court does not usually make orders around.
This is extremely relevant given that the new fall TV season is upon us and there will be plenty of shows that one parents deems off limits to their child while the other parent does not quite agree. I am not making judgments or taking sides, but rather pointing out the problems this can create.
How many times have you heard, “My Mom/Dad let me watch that show at their house?” Unfortunately, this happens more often than perhaps you would care to admit. The next step is usually to discuss with the child that it does not matter what the other parent lets them do, this is your house and they will follow the rules while living there. There are many problems associated with this response including but not limited to the child arguing, rebelling, or even asking to live with the other parent.
As a San Diego divorce lawyer, I can tell you the best solution to this problem would be to discuss the issue with the other parent and agree what your child should and should not watch on TV. This easiest and best solution, however, is not always possible. When parents have issues co-parenting their children, they are not always able to discuss issues and may disagree only to spite the other parent.
With the stress of school, the issue of what your child can or cannot watch on TV may be an issue that is best covered by a discussion with your child about why you feel the way you do and creating a list of possible alternative shows they can watch. Remember, it is best to pick and choose your battles with your child and what they watch on TV may be a big or small issue depending on their age, their ability to understand the subject matter, as well as the amount of violence in the shows they want to watch.
As a San Diego divorce lawyer, I explain to my clients that the best alternative is for each parent to cooperate with each other and agree on what shows your child can watch, but when that cannot happen, explaining the situation and your concerns to your child can be a great step in the right direction.
