We have all heard of the phrase “deadbeat dads”, those who do not contribute financially or emotionally to their child’s or children’ needs. 

However, meet the Live Beat Dads, who want more time with their children, have no issues with paying support as necessary, and understand the positive role and influence that both parents have in the lives of the development of healthy children. 

Can you imagine wanting to see your children more and being denied this opportunity?  Can you imagine children asking to spend time with their dad, only to be ignored by the ex-partner.

It is a heartbreaking tale. 

At the point of separation a parent will sometimes take possession, or leave with the children, virtually holding the children hostage from access by the other parent as leverage in family law dealings or to hurt the other parent because of his or her personal anger. 

In BC, parents are required to take a Parenting After Separation course (PAS) that is supposed to limit this type of behaviour and encourages co-parenting for the best interests of the children. However, many parents do not apply  the PAS to their situation.  

When dads want to see their children, and there are no safety concerns, they should be permitted to do so, without heavy negotiations with the other parent. The advancement of applications in the court system can be lengthy and the dad will valuable time with the children is lost. 

The parent may miss the first steps, first words and other monuments because one parent will not allow enough access (or parenting time) to enable the other parent to share in these events. 

There are many parents who long for the involvement of the other parent and the financial contribution of the other parent to assist in making a better life for the children, but are disappointed.  They are left to be single parents struggling with the demands of the children and the financial struggles of less finances. 

So if you are one these parents who have a Live Beat Dad, making requests for more time with the children, allow it and get over your anger at the other person. 
At one point, you were a couple planning your future, looking forward to the birth of the children. Remember those days and how you both deserve to have the benefit of the children in your lives. 

 It is in your children’s best interests to have a loving relationship with both parents. We all know that so why interfere with it.