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The Valley, Episode 7: Kids Aren’t Confessionals and Co-Parents Aren’t Psychic — Let’s Talk Boundaries, Communication, and Family Homes 

The Valley

Another week, another round of drama on The Valley. This time, the fallout isn’t limited to just the adults. From kids overhearing emotional conversations to secret condos and unpaid mortgages, this episode was a masterclass in what not to do during a separation. Fortunately, it also gives us plenty of teachable moments—especially when it comes to parenting boundaries, communication, financial obligations, and protecting your peace when your ex just won’t quit. 

Let’s break it all down. 

Playdates Are for Kids, Not Conflict

Michelle and Nia meet up for a playdate with their kids, but within minutes they’re deep into a conversation about Danny’s drinking and Michelle’s ongoing issues with Jesse. And all of it is unfolding right in front of the children. 

This is a major concern. 

No matter how young your children are, they pick up more than you think. They hear tone, notice body language, and internalize adult conversations. Michelle and Jesse’s daughter, Isabella, is already repeating things that no child her age should be thinking about. She tells Michelle that she knows her mom was married before and it didn’t work out. She even says that if Michelle wants to marry Aaron, that would be fine. 

If I heard this from a client or saw it in court materials, it would be a serious red flag. In family law, one of the most basic expectations is that parents will shield their children from adult conflict. Talking about divorce, addiction, or custody in front of your child is harmful, even if they don’t seem to fully understand. The impact is real. 

If you need to vent or talk something through, find time away from your kids. Don’t bring those conversations into the car, the kitchen, or a play place. Your children are always listening, even when you think they aren’t. 

Surveillance Isn’t Parenting — It’s Control

Jax is back with more concerning behaviour, and this week we learn that he has been using the security cameras in their shared home to monitor Brittany. This is not only controlling—it’s invasive, manipulative, and a serious breach of privacy. 

Using surveillance to watch your ex-partner after a separation is not a parenting strategy. It’s a form of coercive control. In many cases, it can also be considered harassment or stalking. Courts in Saskatchewan are increasingly recognizing coercive control as a serious issue, especially where children are involved. It reflects poorly on a parent’s ability to respect boundaries and co-parent in good faith. 

If you discover you are being monitored through cameras in your home, here are some steps to take: 

  • If you are the only person living in the home, you have every right to remove or disconnect any recording devices that compromise your privacy. 
  • Contact a lawyer. You may want to apply for exclusive possession of the family home to ensure that only you have the legal right to reside there and control access to it. 
  • Consider whether you need to apply for a no-contact order or Emergency Protection Order, especially if this is part of a larger pattern of intimidation, surveillance, or emotional abuse. 
  • Keep a record of everything. Screenshot or download footage, note dates and times, and document any threats, messages, or commentary related to the surveillance. 

This isn’t just about creepy behaviour—it’s about your right to feel safe in your home. It’s also about setting a precedent that boundaries must be respected, especially when there are children in the home who also need emotional and physical security. 

 

Pool Parties, Secret Condos, and a Financial Time Bomb

While all this is happening, Brittany hosts a pool party, trying to stay positive amidst mounting chaos. But what comes out during the episode is far more serious: Jax has signed a lease for a condo without telling Brittany and has quietly stopped paying the mortgage on their shared home for three months. 

This is not just inconsiderate. It’s financially destructive. 

Under Saskatchewan law, both parties to a marriage or long-term common-law relationship may have a legal interest in the family home, regardless of whose name is on the title. Until the property is formally divided, either by agreement or court order, both people may remain financially responsible for the mortgage. That means if payments are missed, both credit scores can be damaged, regardless of who actually failed to pay. 

In this case, Jax’s decision to stop paying the mortgage—and to not tell Brittany—could have long-term consequences for both of them. Their credit scores may be significantly impacted, which affects their ability to: 

  • Get a mortgage for a future home 
  • Secure a lease 
  • Qualify for financing (including car loans or credit cards) 
  • Rebuild financial independence after the separation 

For Brittany, this is especially frustrating. She could have chosen to stay in the home and cover the payments herself. She could have negotiated a short-term arrangement or requested a court order ensuring the home remained in good standing while the legal process unfolded. Instead, she was left in the dark, and now the family is facing additional debt and unnecessary financial strain. 

Respect Is the Foundation of Co-Parenting

Later in the episode, Lala steps in to confront Jesse about how he’s been speaking about Michelle, and she makes a powerful point. Jesse wants to have a functioning co-parenting relationship, but he continues to disrespect and belittle Michelle publicly and privately. 

You cannot demand peaceful co-parenting while actively undermining the other parent. It doesn’t work that way. 

Children are highly impressionable. They listen to how you talk about your ex, even if you think they aren’t paying attention. The tone you use, the stories you tell, and the blame you assign all shape your child’s understanding of relationships and conflict. 

If you want a healthy co-parenting relationship, it starts with respectful communication. That means keeping your commentary to yourself, focusing on solutions rather than past grievances, and addressing disagreements privately or through professionals when needed. 

In Saskatchewan, courts look at how each parent supports the child’s relationship with the other. If one parent is clearly working to undermine or attack the other, that can factor heavily into decisions about parenting time and responsibilities. 

A Quick Shoutout to Kristen

On a lighter note, I continue to be thoroughly entertained by Kristen this season. She may be messy, but she is loyal, entertaining, and always ready to stir the pot in support of her friends. Every reality show needs someone who brings chaos and compassion in equal measure, and Kristen is delivering. 

Final Thoughts — Don’t End Up Like Brittany and Jax

This week’s episode is packed with important lessons about separation, parenting, and financial responsibility. We saw adult conversations spilling into kids’ ears, secret moves that destroyed financial trust, and yet another example of how failing to communicate can cost far more than you expect. 

Here’s what we can all learn from the chaos: 

  • Protect your child’s emotional well-being by keeping adult issues private. 
  • Never assume your ex is managing shared finances responsibly—verify, communicate, and put agreements in writing. 
  • Understand that unpaid bills, even if not your fault, can still affect your financial future. 
  • Surveillance and control tactics are not just inappropriate—they can have serious legal consequences. 
  • If you want peaceful co-parenting, it starts with how you speak about your co-parent, even when they’re not in the room. 

Separation is hard. But it doesn’t have to be a disaster. With honest communication, strong boundaries, and legal guidance, it is possible to protect your child, your finances, and your future. 

At Evolve Family Law, we help clients navigate separation and parenting issues with clarity, compassion, and practical legal advice. Whether you need help protecting your rights, creating a parenting plan, or sorting out who pays what, we’re here to help you move forward with confidence. 

Disclaimer: these posts are intended for informational and entertainment purposes only. They are not meant to provide legal advice. If you need legal advice, PLEASE consult a lawyer! Even better, book with us 🙂

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The Valley, Episode 7: Kids Aren’t Confessionals and Co-Parents Aren’t Psychic — Let’s Talk Boundaries, Communication, and Family Homes 

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