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Parenting
Family and Relationships
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Parenting
Newborns
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Entertainment
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The Donald strikes again. The comb-over king trumped daughter Ivanka by announcing her newborn daughter’s name -- Arabella Rose -- in a call-in to Fox & Friends. As of that time, the proud mom had merely tweeted that she and hubby Jared Kushner had welcomed a beautiful, healthy baby girl into the world. "It’s an exotic name," Trump added after publicly spilling the beans. (Translation: "I don’t care for it either, but hopefully it will grow on us.")
Arabella’s arrival makes Trump a three-time grandpa, so clearly he’s no apprentice here. Which begs the question: Shouldn’t it be Mom and Dad’s honor to reveal the baby’s name? And exactly where do you draw the line when it comes to grandparental meddling?
Maybe I’m overreacting. Maybe Ivanka gave her dad permission to share that confidential information, or maybe the new mom couldn’t care less either way. Still, I think the whole Namegate scandal is a good reminder for parents to lay down some grandparenting rules before things get out of hand. A few I’d like to suggest:
All "firsts" belong to mom and dad. Therefore, as much as you might like to treat her to her inaugural bath, paint her impossibly tiny toenails or take her on a private tour of the Eiffel Tower, these are rights reserved by the immediate life-givers.
Do not attempt to co-parent. You had your chance to discipline us (how’d that work out for you?); now it’s our turn. You can give her cotton candy for breakfast and let her stay up too late, but you're here to spoil, not parent, so back off.
Post responsibly or don't post at all. We are happy you finally figured out Facebook, really. But since only one of us still seems to have their discrimination filter intact, please be judicious in your photo-posting. Please.
