A Reddit post has really been picking up steam over the past 24 hours.

The post, posted by u/brandon0529, summarizes the events of his 9 y/o son in the mornings when he stays with his mother.

"I just found out from my son that his mom doesn't wake up with him to send him off to school. He wakes up, gets himself ready, makes his ownbreakfast, packs his lunch, and walks to the bus stop alone."

The concerned father goes on to state, "The part that I question is that she doesn't even hug him or tell him to have a good day and that she loves him. And she doesn't watch him as he walks a football field-length to the bus stop. To me, he's too young and, for his own safety, should at least be watched as he walks to the bus stop. I'm open to hearing other's parent's thoughts on this as he is only 9 years old, which is why I'm posting this."

He later states that the son, when staying with him, still wakes up on his own, dresses himself, and makes his own breakfast. But, he's there to wish him a good day and give him a "big ol' hug."

It is natural to worry if your ex-wife does not show any physical affection towards your son, such as hugs, or even accompany him when he walks to the bus stop. Physical affection and emotional support are crucial for a child's healthy development, and providing these things can help build strong bonds between parents and children. Research has further demonstrated that providing physical affection and emotional support from both parents can have a positive impact on children's behavior, self-esteem and overall well-being.

Redditors weighed in, both validating the father but also explaining that the son is clearly independent.

One user said, "Considering my teens can’t even get themselves up and out the door in the morning without me riding their asses, I think your son is off to a great start and he’s going places in life."

Another chimed in with the following, "I think unfortunately you have to pick your battles. I wouldn't pick this one if your 9-year-old is getting to school ok and doesn't seem unhappy. In my neighborhood 9 year olds walk themselves to school and probably also leave home by themselves after their parents have already left for work. Praise his independence and skills in getting himself to school, but be present yourself in the mornings when he's with you. It is definitely nicer, unless she has a serious reason for needing to sleep."

Every family and situation is different, and it is likely that different households have established unique ways to prepare for the school day.

For example, it is possible that the ex-wife and son have an arrangement such as the son getting dressed on his own while his mother sleeps in, or alternatively, the ex-wife waking up earlier than the son to prepare for the day. It is also possible that the ex-wife trusts your son to be responsible and capable of getting himself ready for school without her help.

At the end of the day, it is important to establish and respect boundaries, with the #1 goal being that the child feels like he is receiving the appropriate care and attention that maximizes his well-being.

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