The relationship between Bristol Palin and her former fiancé Levi Johnston continues to create controversy as Palin’s latest venture into reality television airs on Lifetime. This week, Johnston issued a statement saying that a recent episode of the show has prompted him to seek an increased role in his son’s life.
Johnston and Palin have had a rocky relationship and were engaged twice but never married. Johnston currently has visitation rights and Palin has sole custody. Johnston says that he has a room ready for his son and that he hopes to win full or half-time custody of the 3-year-old.
Under the current custody agreement, both parents are prevented from publicly disparaging their famous ex, but neither party seems to uphold that end of the agreement. Johnston told reporters that the reality television show displayed evidence that Palin is a “terrible” parent. He said that after a temper tantrum thrown by the 3-year-old gained national media attention he fears that his son is “on a downward spiral.”
These are common concerns for parents who do not have significant parenting time and experience a lack of influence on their child’s upbringing. Although most do not discover behavior problems while watching their toddler on television, many Minnesota parents have experienced moments of frustration with an ex’s parenting style.
Palin has conceded that she struggles with disciplining the 3-year-old.
The couple rose to fame after the Palin family entered the spotlight at the Republican National Convention in 2008.
More information about Minnesota child custody laws and parenting time arrangements can be found on our family law firm’s website.
Source: ABC News, “Bristol Palin’s ‘Life’s a Tripp’ Reportedly Prompts Levi Johnston to Consider Full Custody of Son,” Aug. 7, 2012