Brittney and her daughter Payton. Photo / Facebook, Brittney Johnson
Brittney and her daughter Payton. Photo / Facebook, Brittney Johnson
By Valerie Siebert for DailyMail.com
Co-parenting with your ex can be hard enough without the worry of a new love coming into the mix.
But once in a while people get lucky and a new person not only fits the family with ease, but even makes the whole process of raising a child easier. Such is the case for Brittney Johnson of Columbia, Missouri, who recently went viral with a powerful Facebook post praising her ex's girlfriend, reports the Daily Mail.
Brittney's daughter Payton was just two years old when she met Kayla Imhoff, 22, the new girlfriend of the little girl's father Charlie.
To all of the mothers out there who throw a fit when another woman treats your child as her own: why isn't that exactly...
But instead of butting heads or dealing with bubbling jealousy, Kayla and Brittney have since become the best of friends - and even better co-parents - as Brittney revealed in a heartfelt Facebook post.
"To all of the mothers out there who throw a fit when another woman treats your child as her own: why isn't that exactly what you want?" Brittney wrote, saying that she had once prayed for her daughter's father to find a good woman, "knowing that she would be raised in two homes."
Along with the post, Brittney included a photo of Kayla posing with little Payton, both ladies wearing a matching set of dark blue hospital scrubs.
Kayla with Payton. Photo / Facebook
"Kayla has been a gift of so much more than I could have hoped for," gushed Brittney. "She started nursing school and Payton has been infatuated ever since. So Kayla ordered a pair of mini scrubs for her to match."
Brittney went on to thank Kayla for being the kind of role model that will help Payton be "strong girl, a smart girl and a sweet girl."
"Thank you Kayla for showing Payton how to chase her dreams, how to work hard and stay up late to study for a test," she wrote.
"Thank you for still making time to ride her bike with her and make her mac and cheese even in one of the stressful times of your life. You're a true role model and an amazing bonus mom and we are so proud of you!"
Brittney also addressed other parents dealing with a 'bonus' parent, saying that if they don't swell with pride when they see their child succeeding with the help of someone else, that they should "reconsider what's truly best for your child."
Kayla Imhoff with Brittney's daughter Payton. Photo / Facebook, Brittney Johnson
"It takes a village, and I happen to love mine," she said.
Brittney's powerful words struck a chord with thousands of other parents. To this date, her post has been shared more than 45,000 times.
Speaking to Babble about her new viral fame, Brittney also offered up a few extra wise words to drive her point home.
"My advice to other parents in similar situations is to ask your child what would make them happiest; if they want to spend time with both of you, then let them do it," she said.
"Embrace that there's a bonus parent who loves your child, because they are not your competition. Every person deserves love, so don't take someone away from them out of bitterness, envy, or hatred."
