Rehoming
Dear Frankie,
I finally realized why my parents were arguing when I heard my mom tell her friend she wanted to find me a new home. She said I had become too clingy and demanding since the new baby arrived.
As a first-time mom, she felt she didn’t have the time or energy to care for me, and it wasn’t good for the baby not to have her full attention. She thought lots of people would love to have a pedigree dog that was well-behaved and trained.
Her problem was that my dad wouldn’t agree to give me up. He said I was part of the family and committed to taking on more responsibility for my care.
She told her friend she resented that her husband cared more about my feelings than hers. Well, how about mothers who care more about one child’s feelings over another’s?
Dear Raven,
I’m glad your dad stood up for you and his promise to be your forever father. Once he takes on more responsibility for your care, it should lessen your mom’s stress level and feelings of being overwhelmed.
In her defense, newborns can be a real drain on their parents’ sleep and energy levels. From what I hear, most of them cry a lot, sleep in short bursts, and constantly demand to be fed, burped, or have their diaper changed.
Babies are nothing like newborn puppies who sleep most of the time, get comfort from their littermates, and have a human family to help their mom care for them.
When the baby sleeps longer hours and gets on a regular schedule, your mom might feel more comfortable being a parent and caring for two children. Let’s hope so. Otherwise, she might be looking to rehome both you and the kid.
Best, Frankie
© 2025 Geneva Woodruff
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