From Slate Magazine · Jenée Desmond-Harris · · 2m
My Dad’s New Girlfriend Is the One Person Who Should Be Off Limits
A teen babysitter becomes dad’s new girlfriend, sparking family tension.
In brief
A teen babysitter becomes dad’s new girlfriend, sparking family tension. A 25-year-old writes to Dear Prudence about her dad dating a former babysitter who was 16 when she babysat for them. Originally reported by Slate Magazine.
Dear Prudence
My parents divorced five years ago after a three decades-long nightmare of a marriage.
Dad’s New Girlfriend
Two months ago, my dad began seeing a new woman who used to babysit me and my sister when we were in elementary school.
Age Gap
She was 16 when she babysat for me and my sister, and I am now 25.
Feeling Squicked
They seem happy, but I’m really kind of squicked out by it.
Dad’s Past
Your dad knew this woman as a teen and changed her status from "a child in my community" to "someone he’s sexually interested in."
Dad’s Reaction
He would have hoped the memory of her showing up at your house as a high school student with a backpack would be hard to shake.
Dad’s Current Situation
But that didn’t happen, so he’s now dating a woman who was 16 when he was dating my mom.
Dad’s Age Gap
The massive age gap between them makes it hard for me to accept this relationship.
Dad’s Request
Can I ask my dad to break it off with her?
Dad’s Response
I don’t blame you for being squicked! While they are two consenting adults, your dad knew this woman as a teen.
Dad’s Past Behavior
It’s doesn’t feel great to think about how easily he was able to change her status from "a child in my community" to "someone he’s sexually interested in."
Dad’s Current Happiness
I would have hoped that the memory of her showing up at your house as a high school student with a backpack on as he left for date night with your mom would be hard…
Dad’s Realization
But that didn’t happen, so he’s now dating a woman who was 16 when he was dating my mom.
Dad’s Advice
You can tell him why you’re having a hard time adjusting to the situation.
What matters most
A 25-year-old writes to Dear Prudence about her dad dating a former babysitter who was 16 when she babysat for them.
