This should be required reading for single parents. Many times, I think this type of behaviour comes down to either a lack of maturity or a feeling of powerlessness. One parent might not have had any power over how the relationship ended, but by god, they have the kids and they have the power now and they'll use it just to show the other parent who the boss really is! I remember having to bite my tongue more than once (probably more than a zillion times) regarding my children's father. He was a deadbeat loser....and as you rightly said, the kids figured that out all on their own. Excellent article.