"Two big problems here. The first is that it throws the other parent under the bus and creates a dynamic of challenge down the road in terms of who the child sees as capable and in charge," Dr. Lapointe said. "Why would you ever want to do that to a child? It's a horrible experience for them to have to think that one or the other of their parents doesn't have it going on. The second is that there is an air of frustration about this, which certainly has your child questioning your own competence as a 'big person,' and again, you don't have time or patience for your child's feelings in this."