Being in the hobby as long as I have I've realize that there are lines you just don't cross. It's very easy to cross these lines, but if you're paying attention and catch yourself before you cross them you'll be fine. That being said, this to me is crossing a line.The provider posted about a client paying for first class plane tickets for herself and her son. I don't so really have a problem with this exactly clients pay or providers plane tickets often, so this isn't so much crossing a line. What I'm in different about is the client paying for the childs school supplies. I understand this is a touch subject with a lot of moving parts., but to me this is stepping over a line that separates the client/provider relationship.
The client is obvisuly investing in his provider the way he knows how and if we were in the situation I'm guessing some of us would have made the same move. This is going well beyond for this provider and no doubt she'll need the help being a single mother. Though to involve a kid in the situation just screams a mess that could really get bad.
The client may feel a sense of responsibility towards the provider, especially if she's a single mother, and wants to help in any way he can. However, crossing the line into the personal lives of providers, especially when it involves their children, can lead to potential complications and unintended consequences. Involving a child in any way in the client/provider dynamic can blur boundaries and create a situation that might be difficult to manage in the long run. The provider's focus should remain on the professional aspect of the relationship, and clients should respect those boundaries.
This is just my opinion on the matter. Lines are there for a reason and a lot of them should not be crossed.
