A piece of paper forced me into coparenting, and I didn’t see it coming.
I never hit her. I never threatened her. We had our arguments, sure. We both said hurtful things, but it was nothing that should’ve kept me from my son. But when she filed for a restraining order, that piece of paper kept me away from him. Not because I was a danger, but because I refused to be controlled!
As a dad, it’s crushing to lose moments with your child over disagreements between adults. I miss his birthdays, celebrating his wins in that moment, and the simple joy of holding him whenever I want.
People always say, “Fight for your rights,” but no one talks about the mental toll, the time it takes, or the money involved. Co-parenting is challenging, especially when a restraining order stands between you and the child you love.
Now, I’m left with empty weekends and holidays. My son doesn’t understand why I disappeared. I was present. I was trying. But that piece of paper changed everything. Was that the only way?