You are here: Home / Sociopaths and Family / ASK DR. LEEDOM: “My Ex-Husband Behaves Inappropriately Around the Kids!”
Recently, a concerned reader shared her distressing experience regarding her children’s father, raising several significant issues I will address.
In her comment, she expressed her worries about her ex-husband’s troubling behavior around their children. She described how, during their marriage, he would engage in inappropriate physical actions, such as groping and making sexual remarks—all in front of their kids and against her wishes. Now, she observes that their sons are mimicking this behavior, hitting and grabbing each other in ways reminiscent of their father’s actions. Her daughter has also voiced discomfort, claiming that he makes perverse comments that make her uneasy. When she challenges him, he simply hangs up on her.
It’s essential to understand that the behaviors described, particularly concerning her daughter, fall under the category of sexual abuse. According to Sandra Brown, MA, in her book on counseling victims of violence, sexual abuse can include:
- Being exposed to age-inappropriate sexual conversations or terminology.
- Being subjected to uncomfortable stares or inappropriate comments about one’s body.
- Being forced to view unsuitable materials or witness sexual acts.
Unfortunately, we often dismiss the alarming behaviors of sociopaths and narcissists, overwhelmed by their chaotic actions. Society’s sexual norms can lead to overlooking breaches of sexual boundaries, particularly concerning children. The behavior modeled by the father teaches his sons to associate sexual actions with power and control, especially evident in how he demeans their sister in front of them.
While I don’t recommend taking swift action without careful consideration, it is clear that this mother has already faced challenges in court regarding visitation, which she lost. It is crucial to align with professionals who understand these dynamics and develop a well-structured plan moving forward.
For those in similar situations, I recommend checking resources like Psychopaths and Love for further insights. Additionally, Out of the Fog provides excellent guidance on managing these relationships. For more information on sociopaths and narcissism, explore Healthy Place.
If you need support, feel free to reach out to Chanci Idell Turner at 909-737-2855. You can also learn more about her via her Facebook, Instagram, or her LinkedIn page.
In conclusion, it’s vital to take any concerning behaviors seriously and ensure that the well-being of children is prioritized in all situations.