I have seen the previews for this show over and over again, and this definitely sounds like a “must tune in.” Some of it sounded inaudible, but it definitely sounded vicious. At times in the “videotape preview,” I really couldn’t tell whom Kevin was yelling at. (By the way, does anyone find it a little bit coincidental that this abuser’s name sounds incredibly close to Karen, that hurricane-like woman from “A Mother’s Rage,” or that their names even start and end with the same letters?)
Just by reading the write-up, I am shocked by all the things this overgrown child (I refuse to call him a MAN) is doing. Calling the children all kinds of names is one thing, but to physically assault your stepson is crossing the line indefinitely. Some questions, though: a) how many children are involved in this situation and b) how old are these children? This would be some useful information. I’m guessing some of younger ones are too young to defend themselves and are deemed helpless. I remember in the “Custody Battles Gone Bad” message board, I used my fanfic story, “Valerie” in a hypothesis. I will use this story again, and say that Kevin is exactly like the title character’s ex-husband, Tom, only without the mentally retarded child. (I don’t even want to know what Kevin thinks of handling these types of children; where’s a “rolling eyes” emoticon when you need one?)
Judging by Kevin’s behaviour and lack of family history, I can only guess that:
- his father left when he was a child, and he either grew up with no father figure in the house or an abusive stepparent
- he was never married before Shannon and has no kids of his own
- he personally thinks that parenting classes are for “sissies,” and he doesn’t take kindly to strangers telling him how to parent children
What’s worse is that he uses intimidation with the kids because he’s not allowed to punish, and uses the excuses of “I’m at my breaking point,” “I’m a victim,” and “It’s the kids’ fault,” and so on. Really? What did those poor defenceless little kids ever do to you, Kevin? (Although from one of the stills, I see a kid named Tony is trying to stand up to you for the family.) Face it, dude, you’re just upset because you don’t have any kids of your own, and you don’t feel comfortable raising another man’s kids. You should’ve thought about that before you said, “I do.” Also, you’re using the same excuses as Sharon Newman (Sharon Case’s character on Young and the Restless) when she abandoned her own kids to find herself and had numerous affairs behind her husband’s back, and this is why so many of that show’s other characters (and viewers) look down on her. I’m so surprised you haven’t done either to Shannon and the kids yet.
And to Shannon, you really need to get out of this marriage while you can. I can understand your desire to provide a “same-sex” parent for your sons after their biological father left, but as much as I hate to accuse you of anything, I think it’s quite obvious that you rushed into this marriage too quickly. Kevin doesn’t seem like the type of man who likes to spend any QT with the kids, nor does he sound redeemable in his ways. I challenge you to be single for six months, and during this time, you and your kids make lists of the qualities you want and don’t want to see in a man and a father. There are plenty of men who have most (if not all) of the qualities on the “pro” lists, and few or none on the “con” lists. (How did you meet Kevin to begin with; have you ever considered online dating?) You can do better and your kids deserve better, I know it.
Dr. Laura Schlessinger has always said that parents should not get divorced unless they go through the three deal-breakers: ABUSE, ADDICTION & ADULTERY! (I like to call them "the three A's.") There's so much of the first one here, and I believe this marriage was doomed from the start, and I pray that Shannon will see the light. God bless them, they’re going to need all the help and support they can ever receive. And Kevin, you're better off finding someone who doesn't have or want kids, because you're obviously not father material.
(Original Air Date: 05/02/07) They threaten, scream, intimidate and even bite. They’re not tantrum-throwing kids … they’re bullying dads! Shannon has only been married for three months but says she’s ready for a divorce. She says her husband, Kevin, calls her kids “fat,” “lazy” and “losers,” and has physically assaulted her son. She even called the police on him three weeks before their recent wedding. Kevin says he feels like he’s being pushed to his breaking point and intimidates his stepchildren because he is not allowed to punish them. To find out what was going on, Dr. Phil set up cameras in the couple’s home. You won’t believe what they reveal! Can Shannon and Kevin save this marriage, or was it doomed from the start? Share your thoughts, join the discussion.
