Jesse James’ awful summer got even worse recently when his ex-wife Janine Lindemulder filed a motion against him over their daughter, 6-year-old Sunny. Lindemulder, a former porn star, lost custody of her daughter last year after being jailed for tax evasion. Now, she claims that James, host of Monster Garage and ex-husband of Sandra Bullock, is trying to turn Sunny against her. In the filing obtained by Us Weekly, Lindemulder claimed that since James moved himself and Sunny to Austin, Texas, she hasn’t spoken to her daughter in seventeen days. She claims that before the move, her daughter “was distant, confrontational, disrespectful and accusatory.” James has disputed his ex’s claims, saying that he has not interfered with Sunny and her mother’s relationship. “[Janine] is not stable, and acts impulsively and contradictory,” said James in his response. “[She] sounds …as if she is drinking or taking drugs again.”
How do you keep children out of a messy breakup?
Cupid’s Advice:
Breakups are hard on everyone, especially those closest to the pair involved. Keeping the rest of your relationships healthy is essential after a messy breakup. Cupid has some tips on how to keep children out of the heartbreak:
1. Find an outlet: Choose a close friend whom you can confide in, rather than saying something you’ll regret to your children. You can also try a stress-relieving hobby or activity to take out your negative emotions on, so that you can avoid dumping negativity on your kids.
2. Be honest: Once you have gotten your negative feelings out elsewhere and are in a thoughtful place, keep your kids informed. Don’t say anything you might regret, and be mindful of their ages. That way, they will be able to make their own informed decisions and opinions on the matter without feeling trapped in between you and your ex.
3. Be watchful: If it’s still safe and healthy for your child to be around your ex, let their relationship continue. If there are any signs that your ex has become unstable or the relationship is souring, as with Lindemulder’s erratic behavior, seek professional counsel and slowly transition your child out of your former flame’s life.
