When Eleanor’s relationship broke down, she wasn’t ready to send her ex packing.
“I always wanted my son to have a close relationship with his father, so when it was clear that our marriage wasn’t going to last, it was important for me to figure out a way for them to maintain regular contact,” said Eleanor, a Los Angeles mom of a 14-year-old, who asked that her real name not be used to protect her family’s privacy.
Eleanor’s husband, John, was concerned about being a “weekend dad,” and their son, Ben, wanted as much time with both parents as possible. So, after Eleanor and John initially spent some time living apart, John moved back into the family home. Ben loves the living situation, and has a concept of home that involves both his parents, all the time, Eleanor said.