I'm sorry to hear that those who should be most supportive are being the biggest busibodies. Although there's no way to instantly make everyone keep thier noses into thier own affairs, watch how you react to their interference, as 'actions speak louder than words'. I would recommend, if approached in such a manner, to calmly and collectedly say, 'Thanks for your concern, but this is how (ex) and I have agreed to handle things, and that matter is up to us.' As far as trying to take your child away from you, don't even quake. No one has any right to do that to anyone, unless the physical or emotional welfare of the child depends on it, and even then there are rules they have to follow. Just be sure to put effort into making yourself and your child look nice (Unfortunately, people do judge others by the way they look, church or no church), conduct yourself as an example you would want your child to be as he or she grows, and love them as God does. They might back off a little.

How do you handle it? Let it go in one ear and out the other. That's what I have done for years now.

I agree with momenttaker that, unfortunately, people do look at the kid's apprearance and judge the mom by it. I see it in people every week at services. HOWEVER, I am doing the best I can with what I have. I've been on my own with these kids for over 7 years, on unemployment at the moment and am getting hardly any child support. Times are tough!!! Yet, what they have is clean and presentable (and the girls are always in a dress come Sunday morning! :))

It all comes down to this....as long as you are doing what you feel God has called you to be in mothering your child, then what does it matter what ANYONE has to say??

Good luck to you! I know it's hard, but the rewards for our sacrifice is so much greater then any hardships we may endure.