Helping a friend with his first child... HELP!?

Question

My best friend is expecting his first child in September. The baby's mother and my best friend had just broken up when she found out she was pregnant. They agreed that even though they didn't want to be together, they would still give the baby all the love and care he deserved. They're going to wait 6-8 weeks and then start a 50/50 custody arrangement, and I've committed myself to helping my friend however I can. Here's the problem: I want to be involved in this baby's life, I want to be there to support my friend (he's never really even ben around children, and I have 7 younger cousins under age 7 that all live within five miles... I get the whole, "kid" thing.), but I'm afraid that the baby will become attached to me like he would his mother (she's very young and I feel like her parents will probably have the baby more than she will), and that the baby might grow up with a weird precept ion of a family because of the platonic relationship I have with his father.

suggestions?

Answer 1

There are so many ways to describe a "normal " family.

My children benifited from having different care givers .They knew who their parents were and were just fine with other caregivers.

The more people love the baby, the better.

As for custody and child support, that all MUST be done legally- not just an agreement between people.Let your friend know she needs an attorney before the baby is born.

Answer 2

it not a good idea to do the 50/50 thing with a six week old!  the best way you can help is to tell them not to do it. that baby needs stability.