who would allow this ?

[Jaycee]

Yeah, I have to say, I find it weird that she is doing it. I know I wouldn't be - not with my first baby still only 3 weeks old! Stuff the tired issue, I want to be with my baby, not taking someone else's to swimming lessons. I find it odd that she is willing to do it, but more odd that he is going to a swimming lesson at least ONE of his parents can't attend.
What is she going to do with her baby while she is doing the lesson with your son?

Have you ever been a step parent Lime?

Don't want to offend, but your post is a little offputting. The lady is not taking "someone else's kid" she's taking her step-son, who lives with her 50 percent of the time. It's not odd at all that she's willing to do it. And also, the child is 3, she doesn't need to be in the water with him.

[nothing2lose]

Leaving the whole sleep deprivation/newborn thing aside, I know how terribly difficult it was for me to have another woman 'parent' my daughter. Especially early on. I felt really threatened (and still do sometimes) that maybe "my" baby would form a bond with another woman that would somehow lessen the mother/daughter bond we have. To top that of, there can be acrimony based on what your ex has told her about the relationship, she can have a very different parenting style to you, your child may not like her, she may feel threatened by you/your child....

It is an emotional minefield which is extremely difficult to navigate, especially in the early days.

It gets easier sometimes but the hardest thing is letting go and realise you have no control of who is actually parenting your child. If your ex is not known for his wise decision making, this makes it even more of a worry.
Just because a woman has given birth to her own child doesn't mean she will be a good mother to her own, let alone yours.

[bubno.3]

thank you to the last few women as you got what i meant in my original post

i will be back just getting my 4 yr out of bath