NewburyportNews.com, Newburyport, MA

November 4, 2009

Children's best interests often forgotten


To the editor:

Most of you have undoubtedly seen more than a glimpse of Hollywood's Kate Hudson in the stands at the Yankee games on TV. When I say more than a glimpse, it would be difficult not to have seen her, as the camera pans to the stands every time Mr. Wonderful, Alex Rodriguez, steps to the plate.

You've probably also heard that Kate and Alex are house hunting now somewhere in New York.

I wonder if Kate thinks about what effect all of this man-hopping has on her 7-year-old son Ryder. Not that Alex cares, but as a mother she certainly should.

Kate tells Ryder that Owen Wilson will be living with us now as we are back together again. Then it's yet another man who will be moving in with her and Ryder, then back to Owen again, and I cannot confirm any others, but that doesn't necessarily mean that there haven't been others in their lives.

Now she is ready to settle down with Mr. Wonderful. Does she ever wonder what Ryder must be thinking, and how all of this moving from one place to another with different men does to him? I have heard it said that children can adjust to almost anything. I can't say that is true. I will leave that up to a child psychologist, but from where I am coming from, I have got to think it's not a good thing for Ryder. Not to single out Kate, as she just happens to be in the camera's eye as of late.

There are others, many of them who disregard and sacrifice their children's best interest to satisfy their own needs. Pity the poor children.

Larry Giantonio

Newburyport