When you are as young as Kelsey Frederick, we doubt that there is going to be a day in the calendar more exciting than your birthday. Each year, children await the arrival of their birthday. After all, they know that they will get good gifts and the attention of the people dear to them. Kelsey even got to celebrate her birthday twice because she gets one celebration each with her divorced parents. Her mom Christin and dad Schaffen were fine with the arrangement because they wanted to spend time with the birthday girl. However, things did not exactly go as planned for this new teen… Do you want to know why?
Two Parties For One Teenage Girl
When her 13th birthday approached, Kelsey Frederick started to feel more and more excited. This was going to mark the day she became a teen! In her family, the children often got two celebrations so they could spend one with their mom and the other with their dad.
Two Parties For One Teenage Girl
Thirteen Queen
We doubt that there is any need to explain how much she wanted it to be a great celebration. This was going to be the start of her teenage years, so this was reasonable. A great party was going to be the best way to kick it off.
Thirteen Queen
Highlights
There were a number of special things she could not wait for on her birthday. However, nothing was more thrilling to her than the idea of getting highlights. Kelsey convinced her mother to let her do it after noticing other girls doing the same thing.
Highlights
Off To Dad’s House
The birthday girl spent a few hours at the salon to get her makeover done before it was time to celebrate with her father. Did he end up liking her new look? We’ll talk about that some more later…
Off To Dad’s House
She’s Not Alone
When you consider how high the divorce rate is, it is no surprise that there are children with two families like Kelsey. Luckily, it is not a problem as she gets to spend the weekends with her mom and dad on an alternating schedule. She is fond of watching baseball games during weekends with her dad.
She’s Not Alone
Mother And Daughter Duo
There are numerous kids out there who do not like to spend time with their parents. It is the opposite for Kelsey. Not only does she live with her mother, but they consider each other their best friends too.
Mother And Daughter Duo
A Close-Knit Bond
Kelsey and Christin have such a good relationship that it is difficult not to feel envious of the way they get along. Kelsey does not mind telling her mother whatever is bothering her. We have no doubt she is thankful to have such a great mom.
A Close-Knit Bond
A Different Kind Of Relationship
That is not to say that she does not like her father. The two of them have a good relationship as well, although they are not as close as she is with her mom. One important factor here is that Kelsey and Christin tend to spend more time together.
A Different Kind Of Relationship
A Family Affair
Schaffen and Christin ended up getting a divorce when Kelsey was only a little girl. Fortunately for everyone, Kelsey had a big family to support her through such a difficult time. Were it not for the presence of her relatives, she might have been more affected by her parents’ decision to split up.
A Family Affair
Sports Gal
Kelsey has liked sports from the moment that she learned how to walk. It probably helped that she could busy herself with her hobbies and interests when the going got tough. Christin and Schaffen tried their hardest to provide stability in her life when they decided to call it quits.
Sports Gal
In Agreement
The divorce probably did not affect her in such a negative way since it had been a relatively amicable split. Christin and Schaffen ensured this since they wanted to be good parents to the children. They mostly saw eye-to-eye when it comes to how they were going to raise their kids.
In Agreement
A Little Fish
It is not a particularly big deal, but we admire that they agreed to bring Kelsey out to Lake Erie regularly. This was an outing that she particularly enjoyed when she was a kid, so they made the commitment to keep the tradition going to make sure she was happy.
A Little Fish
New Love
After the divorce, her father got his second shot at romance. He started dating a woman called Sarah, who he met at work. She also worked at the fire station. Kelsey did not think it was a big deal since she actually liked his new girlfriend. Sarah and Schaffen eventually tied the knot.
New Love
The Deal With Her Dad
For Christin, this was not a big deal either. She thought it was perfectly fine, but it was going to be a different matter if Sarah interfered with the agreement she and Schaffen had about raising the kids. Kelsey was all right with it since she saw how happy this new woman made her father.
The Deal With Her Dad
Strong Women All Around Her
Not only that, but Kelsey was also used to being around a lot of strong women. Growing up, she saw them all the time. She always had her Aunt Kelly to go to for advice, for example. The same went for her godmother by the name of Haylee Ann. They were important parts of her life, in fact.
Strong Women All Around Her
Endless Maternal Figures
Haylee Ann and Kelly were lovely women who guided Kelsey through the difficulties of girlhood and growing up. She had other maternal figures around her, so she was not bothered by Sarah’s arrival in her life. These three women were all going to be important characters in what was about to happen.
Endless Maternal Figures
A Challenge
If you have ever had to buy a gift for a preteen, you probably had a difficult time picking something. Kelsey was even more difficult to buy a present for since she did not like the usual things her peers did.
A Challenge
No Glitz
Kelsey told them one thing: no glitz. Well, that helped narrow down their choices but not by much. At any rate, the teen was not really a “girly-girl” so she was not going to be pleased by anything pink or sparkly. Christin decided it was time to ask the people knew her daughter best.
No Glitz
Not Like Other Girls
Kelsey liked to play softball, but they could not think of any equipment for the sport that she was still missing. This was also the case for fishing, her other hobby. Aside from that, it did not seem fitting to give her fishing gear during such a special occasion. What could she possibly want as a gift?
Not Like Other Girls
Something A Bit Cheaper
Kelsey had always wanted to get her very own Mia Hamm jersey. Sadly, the cost was too prohibitive for both of her parents. They needed to come up with a gift she would like that did not cost too heavily on the pockets.
Something A Bit Cheaper
Taking Forever
Kelsey was feeling more and more impatient for her 13th birthday. When you are at that age, nothing will feel more important than the day you finally get to call yourself a teenager! We have all been there, right? She kept herself occupied by looking up cool ideas she could do for her birthday.
Taking Forever
An Important Milestone
Christin could not believe that Kelsey, whom she gave birth to, was turning into a teenager right before her eyes. She knew that it would not take long before this young girl became a full-fledged adult as well. My, my, you know what they say – “time flies”!
An Important Milestone
Her Choice
Christin was aware of the fact that Kelsey considered this upcoming birthday to be a huge milestone. The mother was eager to get something that her daughter would love, even if it meant eschewing her tradition of surprising Kelsey. What better way to ensure a great gift than by letting her choose one?
Her Choice
A Beauty Queen
While she had certain unique hobbies, Kelsey still enjoyed doing her make-up and hair. In fact, she was a big fan of weddings since she knew it meant having to glam up. Christin knew better than anyone else how much her daughter liked makeup since she often borrowed hers. Even though she was aware of this, she was shocked to hear Kelsey’s request.
A Beauty Queen
Highlights For My Birthday
“Mom, I want to get highlights for my 13th birthday”. That was what Kelsey told Christin. The young girl hoped to get a makeover by putting blonde highlights in her brown hair. Did Christin like the idea?
Highlights For My Birthday
Worried
True enough, this is not exactly all that bizarre of a request. If anything, it was pretty normal for a kid that age to express interest in something like this. However, Christin wondered if it meant that Kelsey did not like her appearance.
Worried
Like Her Mother
Christin knew that it was not such a big deal. Hey, she herself added highlights to her hair a long time ago! She knew that it would be impossible to turn down her daughter. She eventually shrugged it off.
Like Her Mother
Darker
She was still taken by surprise, but she knew that there was no way to turn Kelsey down. She did offer her child to choose a present for herself, right? Christin noticed that her daughter’s hair got darker as well. Highlights were also nothing to worry about because so many people got it. Christin still felt anxious, but she knew she needed to live up to her word.
Darker
A Great Big Sister
Kelsey’s birthday was not the only reason Christin agreed to it. She also wanted to give her daughter a reward for being a wonderful sister to the other children in the family. Kelsey was good at taking care of her 3 younger brothers and setting an example for them.
A Great Big Sister
Mom And Daughter Bonding Session
Christin hoped that she will make her daughter feel happy and beautiful on her birthday. However, neither of them knew how these treatments work. She decided to make a day out of it. It was going to be a lovely mother and daughter bonding session instead.
Mom And Daughter Bonding Session
Nails Too
Christin knew just where to take her daughter for a wonderful experience. They ended up going to the local salon that she went to for her hair. They also offer pedicures, massages, and manicures. The best thing about it was that Christin was able to score a sweet discount as a regular customer.
Nails Too
Matching Mom And Daughter
Wait until you hear that Kelsey and Christin got matchy-matchy mani-pedis together. As you can see, they are as thick as thieves. They had a lot of fun, but they did not know it was going to end soon…
Matching Mom And Daughter
A Relaxing Day
The two of them had spent a great time together as they relaxed at the salon. However, it was finally the time for the big reveal! Kelsey was going to see what she looked like after getting her birthday gift.
A Relaxing Day
Could Not Believe Her Eyes
Kelsey looked at the reflection in the mirror. Was it true that this was what she now looked like? The highlights looked fantastic on her and made her feel like a different person. Christin could not believe that this was her daughter! She has never seen her teenage daughter look so happy or so beautiful.
Could Not Believe Her Eyes
A Surprise Up Her Sleeve
Their time was not yet up. Christin had one more surprise for her lovely daughter. Hair? Check. Nails? Check. Makeup? On it! She was not one to do things half-heartedly, so it made sense she came up with this last step. Where else would they accomplish this but Sephora?
A Surprise Up Her Sleeve
Bliss
Christin captured a photo of her lovely daughter and then took to Facebook to show off the birthday girl. She wanted everyone to appreciate her on her big day! While the two of them had a great day, it was all going to end. After all, a certain someone did not approve of what the picture showed.
Bliss
Next Stop Is Dad’s Place
Although Kelsey was excited to go show her friends her brand-new hairstyle, there something else she needed to do first. She was ready to go to her father’s house to enjoy her second birthday celebration. It was Schaffen’s turn to make her feel like the princess she was!
Next Stop Is Dad’s Place
His Turn
Christin felt happy enough to hand over her daughter to her ex. They got into her car and then made it all the way to his place. According to the schedule, Kelsey was meant to stay there for the rest of the weekend. This was the agreement they came up with so that she could spend time with both of them.
His Turn
Something Smells
Every time Kelsey was over at her father’s place, it was her routine to stop using her mobile phone so much. That was the reason Christin did not contact her daughter over the weekend. You can imagine how surprised she was to see her daughter crying several days later.
Something Smells
Who Was She?
Christin could not tell right away that this was actually Kelsey. There were two reasons behind this. One, her face was swollen and puffy all over. Can you guess what the second reason was?
Who Was She?
Horrible Haircut
The highlights they got installed had disappeared! As a matter of fact, her daughter now had short hair when it was pretty long a couple of days before this. Christin was shocked to see what happened to her.
Horrible Haircut
From Extreme High To Extreme Low
What made things even worse for her was the fact that Kelsey was using her hands to cover her face. She did not even want her mother to see her out of humiliation. Christin was so mad and helpless at the same time. What was she going to do next?
From Extreme High To Extreme Low
Self-Esteem Plummeted
Christin could not believe that it was possible to destroy someone’s self-esteem so quickly. Wasn’t it just several days ago that she watched her birthday girl look as gorgeous and happy as can be? What happened to her confidence that weekend? She could tell that something serious took place, and she was going to figure out just what happened in the past few days.
Self-Esteem Plummeted
Fuming
It seems like Christin would not be hearing about the story from her daughter. As a proactive mother, she hopped on her car and headed for Schaffen’s house without a second thought. She was angry that the father of her children would treat their daughter this way. He was not going to get away with it.
Fuming
How Could You
As soon as she pulled into the driveway, she headed straight for the door and began to yell at Sarah and Schaffen. Of course, Christin demanded to hear the answers to her questions. Why was Kelsey in such a terrible state? Why did they not get in touch with her? She could not think straight, she was so mad.
How Could You
Punished
It turns out that they did not approve of Kelsey’s new look. They decided to punish the young girl for being so precarious. Can you believe that they even said “actions have consequences”? Schaffen and Sarah might have been right about the last bit, but karma was about to come for them.
Punished
Smile No More
It was hard to believe that Kelsey had been grinning so widely only days before that. Christin was sad to find the young girl feeling so low. How could they have thought it was a fitting punishment?
Smile No More
Taking Her Frustrations To Facebook
She was so furious, but she needed to blow off some steam before she could come up with what to do next. She went online and decided to shame Schaffen. It was time he got humiliated for what he did.
Taking Her Frustrations To Facebook
Sensitive Person
Christin wanted to inflict the same pain that he gave their only daughter on her big day. She could not believe he thought it was a good idea to do such a thing to her! It seems like people agreed with her sentiment because it started going viral.
Sensitive Person
When You Go Viral
While it is true that Christin went online to talk about it, she did not do so to gain internet clout. She only did this to calm her nerves and receive sympathies from the people dear to her. She expected them to console her, but she could not have foretold how popular the story was about to become.
When You Go Viral
A Little Too Much
Whoa, the word sure does spread quickly online. In just one week, 24,000 users shared it and 33,000 users reacted to it. Everyone started to discuss how inappropriate it was for Schaffen to deal with the matter that way. Kelsey began to feel embarrassed by all the clout her story was getting, however.
A Little Too Much
Outrage From Strangers
True enough, Christin was able to get the support of the people close to her. However, she did not anticipate that she would be supported by people she did not know! Strangers even called the Schaffen and Sarah’s actions “ridiculous” and “disgusting”.
Outrage From Strangers
Stand For Your Kids
This was what one such stranger commented on the post: “What a cruel thing for a parent to do to their child. So sorry that happened…beautiful no matter what!” Sadly, Kelsey did not feel particularly flattered as she did not like the idea of getting too much attention.
Stand For Your Kids
Theories And Speculations Abound
Of course, anyone who heard about the story was on the side of Kelsey. Many expressed criticisms with the way Schaffen handled the situation. However, some strangers started to wonder if there was more to the story than just a bad father…
Theories And Speculations Abound
Everyone Had An Opinion
A different stranger began to speculate that there could be something else going on: “I think the daughter was unfortunately in the middle of a get back at you between both parents fighting.” Could it be possible that Christin truly did want to upset Schaffen intentionally? What do you think?
Everyone Had An Opinion
The Highlight Problem
It was also interesting to hear what other parents had to say about the matter. For some, it was bound to upset Schaffen since he was not even consulted about something as big as a makeover. While some think it was normal to feel that way, there was no excuse for his inappropriate punishment whatsoever.
The Highlight Problem
Unsettling
There were people following the story who thought that 13 was indeed too young for a girl to start dying her hair. They suggested using wigs or wash-out hairspray instead. However, others defended Kelsey by saying it should not matter since it was merely temporary. Besides, getting an unwanted haircut was definitely a more serious issue here. Fair enough, if you ask us.
Unsettling
Sympathy From Strangers
Luckily, some people decided there were other things to do than to debate over the nature of these trivial things. Instead, kind individuals tried to reach out to Kelsey and comfort her about the situation she had to endure. Some of them suggested hairstyles, paid her compliments and expressed lovely sentiments. The teenager found comfort in these messages. However, it also broke her heart to a certain extent. After all, it felt like these strangers seemed to know her much better than even her own father did.
Sympathy From Strangers
Making Up For It
The story continued to make rounds on the internet. At one point, Christin had a great idea how to turn this into a way to make her daughter feel better. With the number of people following the story, she thought there was a good chance they would help her raise funds to get Kelsey a new hair treatment. She created her own GoFundMe account, talked about the situation in detail, and asked for their help to make things better for Kelsey. She was unsure if this was going to go anywhere, but she had to try.
Making Up For It
Showing Off Her Daughter
Christin was not exaggerating when she says that she could not believe how big the story has become. She kept updating the page with tidbits about her daughter’s life. Kelsey just went through a terrible ordeal, so no one blamed her if her emotions had been running high. Luckily, things were somewhat improving as she was finally moving forward with her life. By keeping others up to date, Christin also got to show them that she had a great girl she got to call her daughter.
Showing Off Her Daughter
Forgetting About The Trauma
Followers got to see that Kelsey was starting to play softball and go fishing once again. Of course, they did not miss the fact that this was not the hairstyle she wanted to have. It was admirable that she did not dwell on it!
Forgetting About The Trauma
Strong Support
The more Christin updated, the more people began to see what kind of girl Kelsey was. She was such an inspiration for handling the situation better than people older than her would have had. Unfortunately, this was not the end of it just yet. In fact, they were going to up to something pretty serious. However, the only time they found out about it was when the authorities dropped by.
Strong Support
Press And The Police
Apparently, a person who got wind of this story felt like there must be parental abuse in there. The police had been contacted, which also prompted the press to spring into action. In the report, they talked about the haircut Schaffen forced on his daughter. Police Chief Colby Carroll talked to Fox8. During his interview, he could not help but admit, “I’ve been doing this since ’92 and I’ve never had a case I would say that’s like this.”
Press And The Police
Administrative Leave
The authorities, of course, made their way to Schaffen’s house as well. He and Sarah were both suspended from their job at the Middletown Township Fire Department. On paper, the man and wife were both on “administrative leave”. That does not sound like a good thing at all to us.
Administrative Leave
Consequences For Their Actions
They launched an investigation that ended in the decision to punish the couple for what they did to Kelsey. Some of the people who kept up with the story talked about whether they deserved it or not. If you don’t think so, maybe you should remember the thing they said about consequences and actions! While the investigation wrapped up, there was more family drama.
Consequences For Their Actions
The Court’s Decision
Christin got full custody of Kelsey! She could not contain her feelings after the ruling, so she posted this on Facebook: “After 5 hours of testimony and ‘evidence’ provided by both parties, the magistrate’s decision was for Kelsey to live with mom and her siblings!”
The Court’s Decision
No More Joint Custody
Christin also said, “A huge weight has been lifted off of everyone’s shoulders and we cannot be any [happier]!!” While this was definitely a good thing, it had to come with a sacrifice for Kelsey. What do you think this is about?
No More Joint Custody
Aunt Kelly Helps Kelsey Out
Kelsey did not get the chance to retrieve her things from her dad’s place before she had to be taken away from the premise. Well, we doubt it would have been easy for her to go ahead and do this. After all, she would need to face Schaffen and Sarah to do that. Unfortunately, this meant losing a lot of things that were important to her. Aunt Kelly jumped into action without any hesitation. She created another GoFundMe campaign in the hopes of replacing the things Kelsey had to leave there.
Aunt Kelly Helps Kelsey Out
Encouraging Words From Strangers
Although everyone involved in the situation would have agreed that this was the best possible outcome, it was still very painful for Kelsey, Christin, and the entire family. After all, they had been on great terms with Schaffen before this fallout happened. They had no idea that the dynamic was going to change forever. It was a good thing that they had supporters like Tatum Mathis to give them emotional support. Things could only look up from now on.
Encouraging Words From Strangers
Reaching Their Target Goals
Not a single one of them thought that they would reach their target goals as soon as possible. And yet this was what happened when their viewers heard that Kelsey was in need. Aunt Kelly placed the target at $1,000 dollars. They managed to hit this mark and land at nearly double of that in a small period of time! However, nothing shocked them more than finding out that a single donor contributed $2,000 without even disclosing their name! Now, what should they do with all the money?
Reaching Their Target Goals
Going Back To The Salon
In all honesty, they had no problems dealing with that question or others like it. For them, the most important thing to do at the moment was to head to a salon and see what could be done. They went to the Lady Jane salon, where the employees already heard of the story. Haylee Ann, Kelsey’s godmother, wanted to arrange a lovely surprise for the teen. That was the reason she got to enjoy a welcome committee when she arrived.
Going Back To The Salon
Incredible Results
Over at the Lady Jane salon, the entire staff had been waiting for her arrival. They were given the low-down on the situation already, which is why they wanted to give Kelsey the best possible service. For someone so young, she dealt with so much already. It was the least they could do to help!
Incredible Results
The Sky Is The Limit
They encouraged Kelsey to simply tell them her wishes and they’ll deliver. Kelsey wasn’t worried or down since the presence of her godmother made her feel better right away. Haylee Ann encouraged her to go with what her heart said. Kelsey ended up saying yes to another big change. Any ideas what it was?
The Sky Is The Limit
Happy Once More
Although it was frustrating, there was nothing to do but wait for her roots to grow back. Kelsey decided the next best thing would be to start sporting wigs! There were lots of cool options at the salon, and she was excited to try this out. Isn’t it great that she is so mature about it?
Happy Once More
Forever Grateful
Christin was so glad that she finally got the old Kelsey back after the trauma that she went through. She expressed her gratitude by saying, “I’d like to thank the ladies…for making my baby feel more like herself!” She also said, “We truly appreciate you ladies so much!”
Forever Grateful
Her Very Own Fairy Godmother
Christin was a great mother, but we all know that she could not have pulled such a great stunt on her own. In fact, we think that Haylee Ann deserves the credit for ensuring that Salon Day #2 was a hit. After all, she was the one who took care of the fundraiser. Emotionally, she did not fail them either as she provided them moral support when it came to the fallout with Schaffen. Of course, none of them forgot to take some more photos to celebrate this special day.
Her Very Own Fairy Godmother
Happily Ever After
Everyone was glad to hear the happy ending of the story. It surely warmed the hearts of the individuals who stuck with Kelsey and Christin the whole way. People wanted to hear what they were doing and helped out in whatever way they could. It’s amazing that these things all happened!
Happily Ever After
Going Viral Again
A couple of months later, the post already had been commented and shared hundreds of times. It also had nearly 5,000 likes. A commenter said, “You’re beautiful!” That is definitely a sound observation. We are happy that Kelsey managed to attain justice with the help of the strong women in her life.
Going Viral Again