Hero Paradox: Why we must stop shielding children from truth of absentee parent

The article discusses the Hero Paradox, where the present parent becomes the unwitting spokesperson for the absentee parent. It describes how the reality of a parent's absence can foster resentment in the child, who often idolizes the uninvolved parent. The need for a realistic and honest approach is emphasized to promote children's emotional development. The author calls for an end to the illusory protection that harms the parent-child relationship.