Kiersten and Jadan are in their 20s, engaged and have a baby on the way, but Kirsten's mom, Karen, says she's terrified because she thinks they will be unfit parents -- so much so that she's fighting for custody of her unborn grandchild.
In the video above, Dr. Phil explains to the young couple -- neither of whom has a job or a stable home -- that every state has a set of criteria to determine "parental fitness factors." In the state of South Dakota, where this couple lives, according to the state supreme Court, some of the criteria includes:
- mental and physical health
- capacity and disposition to provide the child with protection, food, clothing, medical care and other basic needs
- ability to give the child love, affection, guidance, education and to impart family's religion or creed
- willingness to maturely encourage and provide frequent and meaningful contact between the child and the other parents
- commitment to prepare the child for responsible adulthood, as well as that the child experiences a fulfilling childhood
- exemplary modeling so that the child witnesses firsthand what it means to be a good parent, a loving spouse and a responsible citizen.
With Kiersten’s due date just weeks away, is this couple ready to make changes to be ready for this child? And, Can Dr. Phil help Karen and Jadan bury the hatchet? This episode of Dr. Phil, “A Baby on the Way: ‘I Think My Daughter & Her Fiancé Are Unfit Parents & I Am Fighting for Custody of My Unborn Grandchild!’ airs Monday. Watch more here.
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