What Can I Do If My Ex Only Feeds Our Child Junk Food? | IL

 Posted on September 12, 2024 in Child Custody / Allocation of Parental Responsibilities

The allocation of parental responsibilities can be one of the tougher parts of your divorce. Decisions must be made that are in the best interests of your child, regardless of how you or your ex feel about it. Old grievances and feelings toward your ex must be set aside in order to work together for the good of your child. The following scenario could apply to virtually any issue that divides parents and makes co-parenting difficult.

You and your ex share custody of your seven-year-old daughter. Two years after the divorce, the two of you have been mostly successful at putting aside your differences when it comes to parenting. Recently, your daughter has put on a significant amount of weight. She is self-conscious about the weight gain, has stopped her normal outside activities, and is having constant colds, flu, and stomach issues. Your daughter has told you that when she is with her dad, they eat nothing but fast food and that the house is full of chips and chocolate.

When you try to talk to your ex about the situation, the conversation takes a negative turn, and his final response is, "She’s my daughter too; mind your own business."  You are not sure if this should be your line in the sand when, otherwise, things are going well until your daughter’s pediatrician agrees that her diet is probably at least partially to blame for her health issues. If your ex remains adamant about ignoring your wishes on this issue, what are your options?  

Your first step is to speak to a knowledgeable Naperville, IL child custody lawyer from Calabrese Associates, P.C.. Attorney Michael J. Calabrese has focused exclusively on family law since 1994. With three decades of experience, we offer experience and dedication to those in need of assistance with family law issues, including issues related to the allocation of parental responsibilities.  

Is The Issue Sufficiently Important to Get a Family Court Judge Involved?

While there is little question that a regular diet of junk food can negatively impact a child’s health and development, you must determine whether this is the proverbial hill you want to die on. If you share legal and physical custody with your ex, then theoretically, the child’s nutrition should be mutually agreed upon by both parents.

A court can decide that a parent is incapable or unwilling to provide the child with the basic needs, which can affect custody arrangements. Feeding a child too much sugar and processed foods is unlikely to move a judge to alter a custody arrangement, no matter how frustrating it is to the other parent. Courts will generally see an issue like this as "different parenting styles" rather than anything more sinister.

How to Move Forward When the Junk Food Issue Remains Unresolved

Your best choice may be to educate your child on the benefits of making healthy food choices, even in situations where it is difficult. If your child asks your ex to provide healthier options, it is much more likely to happen than when you ask. Model good food choices to your child without being judgmental and try to engage in fun physical activities with him or her. If your spouse realizes you are not obsessing over the refusal to feed your child healthy food, his or her choices may change. 

Contact a DuPage County, IL Allocation of Parental Responsibilities Attorney

If your family is going through a rough patch regarding your and your ex's ability to co-parent peacefully, you need knowledgeable legal assistance. It could be time to speak to a Naperville, IL, child custody attorney who can evaluate your situation and lay out your options. We will carefully listen to you to determine your goals regarding the outcome of your issue, and then we will develop a balanced strategy to resolve the matter at hand. Contact Calabrese Associates, P.C. at 630-393-3111 to schedule a meeting.