This week, Dr. Leah and I have written a letter to Britney Spears, in which we ask her to cancel her upcoming tour.
Her two boys need her right now, the tour can wait. (We know that she’ll go anyway, but it doesn’t hurt to ask?)
One of my faithful single dad readers, Phil, says that we’re “giving Britney too much credit.”
He adds that “her father is now legally in charge of her. I don’t believe any business decisions are up to her anymore. I heard she had more legal rights when she was 13 on the Mickey Mouse Club than she does now. I also doubt if she has an option for opting out of a tour, I’m sure her contract requires tour support. It’s all about big business, nothing else is considered.”
Is this true? Is she now a puppet in the music industry? What happened to the mom Britney?
We’d love to hear what you think!
To read our letter, please visit Singlemommyhood.com.
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Read the book! Single Mom Seeking is a tell-all about how to date and remain a dedicated and involved parent. It’s a spunky, sexy, and moving chronicle of the humor, pitfalls, and rewards of balancing it all — single-mom style. |
{ 14 comments… read them below or add one }
Uh, what?
It sounds like you’re saying that just because a woman has kids, she shouldn’t work. Because they’ll be irreparably damaged, etc. Which I obviously disagree with!
I’m happy to see Britney pulling her life together after succumbing to what appears to be severe mental illness. Getting back to work is a critical and healthy part of her healing process.
Her kids will be fine. They aren’t neglected currently and they won’t be if she’s out of town for a few weeks. They have round the clock nannies even when she’s home, remember. Also, I seem to remember that Britney’s ex already has had full custody of their kids, and because of her illness she hasn’t been much present in her kids’ lives anyway for a while.
I think her kids would be much worse off if their mother’s mental stability deteriorates again and obviously if she kills herself or ODs or something like that.
Although I think she’s not very bright and I don’t like her music much, I’m cheering for her recovery. Pulling yourself together after such a meltdown (and such a public one!) has got to be terrifically difficult. Working again is a huge step and she really needs to do it. The best thing for her kids is a healthy mother.
I’m not sure how much her Dad is in charge. From my understanding, he is a financial guardian for her and he has control of her money. I’m going to have to research what else he dictates.
I did read a article on msn yesterday how court custody orders are now changing things for parent.. and more fathers have custody of kids than 10 years ago. It’s always interesting to hear the reason’s why people think fathers can’t be great single parents too.
Eathan´s last blog post…My Kids Come First
Don’t ask me why but I’m a big Britney fan. I don’t agree with canceling her tour, she needs to work…Working gives you a purpose, stability, and satisfaction. Kevin can fly the kids to see her anytime she wants. He doesn’t work, why should she have to stay home? I think the tour will be good for her mental health.
The Girl You Don’t Bring Home to Momma´s last blog post…What to Say About Today ????? (Updated)
The Girl: You’re not the only Britney fan out there! Disclaimer: I kick box to her music.
You make a good point: Why can’t Kevin fly the boys to see her when she’s on tour? I looked at her dates, however, and it looks like she’ll have NO down time.
I wonder why her father/her performance chiefs can’t make room for both performing and family? That might be ideal for her mental health?
Hmmmm….am I the Brittany Spears expert now? I admit to never having listened to any of her music. Bubble gum pop isn’t my favorite. Although I love Richard Thompson’s cover of “Oops, I did it again”.
I double checked my information, and yes, her father is indefinitely assigned as her legal conservator. Brittany is not allowed to drive and there are rumors that all her phone calls are monitored.
No, her kids are probably not getting the best parental care – but they do have a lot of money, and that goes a long way. There are kids in all of our neighborhoods who are more neglected and aren’t rich.
I can’t imagine why any parent of young children would willingly spend that much time away from them. Most parents that need to be away from their kids regret it but they need to do so for financial reasons. Since money’s not an issue she should be there.
I think K-Fed is doing a great job with their kids. He’s showing himself to be a competent single dad. She flipped out and showed she couldn’t be there for her kids. Why not give the man his due, and let him raise the kids solo? Why is it so important for this crazy mom to be involved?
If anything, she needs her kids more than they need her. At least from the long-distance view I have of the situation.
I say, let her do her tour, and let K-Fed and the kids get on with their lives.
dadshouse´s last blog post…Premarital Sex and the Single Parent
I also heard that they were drug testing all of her dancers to make sure they were clean. They want her surrounded by good, healthy, clean people.
I think she’s doing her best. Just as we all do as parents. Hopefully her children will be inspired by her “bouncing back” one day.
T´s last blog post…A new contract
See we both kick box to Brit Brit’s music, I knew there was I reason I liked you.
The Girl You Don’t Bring Home to Momma´s last blog post…What to Say About Today ????? (Updated)
I don’t care what B does….EVER. My only concern is environmentally with the wasted paper covering her antics
I know my opinion is not going to be popular, but I truly sympathize with Britney. I think her getting back to work will help with her healing….
This year has been an EXTREMELY tough one for me and I totally relate with Britney. Not that I went through the drugs, alcohol and rehab and such. But the breaking down part..I totally relate to.
Part of my healing process was doing things FOR MYSELF and not just for my kids…. As much as I love my kids and I wanted them, they absolutely drain me! I DO NOT want to spend all day with them and I wouldn’t if I had the choice. (I know I am going to get flamed for this so go ahead) I enjoy going out doing things FOR MYSELF and that includes going to work everyday.
Granted, I would probably take my kids on tour with me, but since she doesn’t have custody, should she stay at home when she might not even get the chance to see them. If she had another job besides being a pop star and she was going back to work, would we be asking the same question about her staying home?
If K-Fed went on tour and Britney had custody would we even be having this conversation. I’m thinking NOT…
IMO you can’t be right for your kids until you are right within yourself and IMO, I do believe this is apart of her healing….
When I was at my lowest point this year, I couldn’t be the best parent for my kids until I got back out there and GOT MYSELF RIGHT and some of the things I have done/am doing to get my healing requires me to be away from children at times….I think I am a better parent for it because if I don’t take care of myself then I can’t take care of them.
I’m not saying she shouldn’t see them or attend to their needs, but we really don’t how/if she is involved in the kids life or what’s going on in her life other than what we see on the news, internet etc…and from my experience a shockingly high majority is false or half truths…..
Bebo Norman (A Christian singer) sums up how I feel about Britney in his song of the same name:
Britney I’m sorry for the lies we told
We took you into our arms and left you cold
Britney, I’m sorry for this cruel, cruel world
We sell the beauty and destroy the girl
Britney, I’m sorry for your broken heart
We stood aside and watched you fall apart
I’m sorry we told you fame would fill you up
And money moves the man so drink the cup
CHORUS
And I know love goes around the world we know
And you never see it coming back, you never see it coming back
And I know love goes around the world we know
And you never see it coming back, but I can see it coming back for you
Britney I’m sorry for the stones we throw
We tear you down just so we can watch the show
Britney I’m sorry for the words we say
We point the finger as you fall from grace
It’s coming back for you
Yeah, yeah, yeah
It’s coming back for you
Yeah, yeah, yeah
Britney I do believe that love has come
Here for the broken, here for the ones like us
I posted this on singlemommyhood.com too…
Just my 2 cents….Which usually isn’t worth much
Mommy to the Monsters´s last blog post…Humbling Experience (UPDATED)
Mommy to Monsters: you have nothing to be ashamed about if you’re working on “getting yourself right.” While I can see both sides to the Britney debate above, I agree with T’s comment that we all do the best we can (with the experience, resources and knowledge we have at the time) — and I’m a believer in the oxygen mask theory. Put your mask on first and then you’ll be able to help others much, much better.
Susan´s last blog post…Holiday Traditions and Tips, Single Parent Style
I have been trying to keep up with Britney and her trials.
I really do feel sorry for her, and I know her dad does have a lot to do with her business dealings.
She flipped out..she had a breakdown, but too many hold this against her. She is trying to get back into a sane(for her) life.
It has been mentioned many times that dancing and working is what is her therapy. As long as she is taking time for her kids, then she should be able to.
Her flip out was amidst her lack of work…this may have contributed a little towards that(though some of the paps she socialized with…was most of it from my view).
Being a mom on tour has got to be hard, but it can be done I am sure.
As far as KFed…yeah he took over, but I think he realizes how much the kids need their mom too. He can fly with them out to visit her too. After all, she has to work in order to pay the childsupport he has fought for.
Dawn´s last blog post…My dad….
I definitely agree with mc & Mommy to the Monsters. Why as mothers (in particular) are we so judgemental? Does anyone truly believe that Britney does not love her children & feels badly about the way things unfolded. Let’s face it-Britney’s life from the beginning was NOT normal. Unfortunately, she has been enormously successful, but at a terrible price. I think we can all relate to her struggles, unmet needs, insecurities, etc. whether you have kids or not. But we don’t have to face these issues under a glaring spotlight, while we are still maturing no less. My heart breaks for her, and wish her the best. Personally, I want her to go out on tour and kick ass! Her children will be fine. They are blessed with a father, grandparents, and aunts & uncles to care for them while mom is WORKING. Britney is glowing these days. After what she’s been through, let the woman sing & dance her heart out!