In this counseling answer:

•Your son is a result of the marriage. He deserves to see his father and to have time with his mother also.

•I would advise any parent to be sure their issues, anger, and frustration with one another does not come out through their parenting.

•It is never a good idea for a child to be used as a source of pain, bargaining or a weapon between two adults. I do not believe this is your goal or intent at all.

Use your wits and please ensure your son and his father are able to continue their relationship even on the weekends. This is a start for a new change for your family.

As Salaam Alaykum,

It is always hard to hear when children get tangled in the actions and choices of married people. It does happen.

Emotionally, I’m sure your feelings have told you this decision makes sense. For what reason should he be able to enjoy this cute little boy without helping with his care on a daily basis as you do? It doesn’t feel fair to you at all.

And then, we look at the reality of it all. Your son has a father and your son wants to see his father. However, your son’s father may not have been the spouse you wanted him to be for you. Honestly, your son’s father may even have his own concerns about the marriage. I don’t know and will not seek to comment on that.

However, I do know this little boy has two parents that love him very much and he has a right to be loved by each of you. This little boy has a right to have the best of both parents regardless of what happens with your marriage. Your son is not a part of the marriage. You and your husband are. Your son is a result of the marriage. He deserves to see his father and to have time with his mother also.

As a mother, you will not get to choose how your son’s father chooses to parent. You will get to cooperate with one another regarding his care and scheduling of visits. However, if not allowing him to visit his father on the weekend means he will not see him at all, this can do further damage to their relationship.

Next, I would advise any parent to be sure their issues, anger, and frustration with one another does not come out through their parenting. It is never a good idea for a child to be used as a source of pain, bargaining or a weapon between two adults.

I do not believe this is your goal or intent at all. However, when we make decisions based on how we feel and not the needs of the family, our decisions become clouded.

Feelings are real and valid, but they are not always the best decision-makers! Use your wits and please ensure your son and his father are able to continue their relationship even on the weekends. This is a start for a new change for your family.

Iddat seems like an ending, but it is the beginning of many new changes for your family unit. Their time together may increase at a later date, but the father-son interactions have to begin somewhere.

For now, let the weekends begin so your son will know that whatever decisions his parents make do not have any reflection on how much he is loved and adored as the son to each of you.

May Allah grant you good. Ameen.