History Main / UselessBystanderParent

* In ''Series/{{Quincy}}'' episode "A Good Smack in the Mouth", a mother fails to protect her son from an abusive boyfriend. Even the boy's teacher and doctor believe the excuses for all the injuries.

* ''Series/MillionYenWomen'': [[spoiler:Minami]]'s mother was this towards her father's ParentalIncest.

* Gladstone Gander in the DuckTales fanfic ''[[Fanfic/LittleBro Little Brother]]''. He tries to be competent, but old habits die hard, and since he is the luckiest goose in the world who's ''not'' used to exerting effort or thinking too hard, he has this problem.

Usually, if the abuse is physical, the HBP will be female and the abuser male. If the abuse is emotional, the reverse is usually true. A step-parent can be an UBP, and will generally be sympathetic, as their desire to help the kids will conflict with not wanting to overstep the mark.

The reason for their inaction varies. Many are scared of their partners and, in some cases, they have had their spirits broken — they tried to stand up for themselves or their children in the past, and the [[DomesticAbuse fallout was so terrifying]] that they gave up. Some feel that they owe loyalty to their partner first and foremost, no matter how horrible that partner may be or [[MyMasterRightOrWrong how much they disagree with them]]. Others suffer from such [[ExtremeDoormat crippling self esteem issues]] (usually made worse by the abusive party) that they fail to trust their own judgement, and assume that the abusive party must be right — the abuser must be the "proper" parent and the bystander is the weak one that doesn't know how to discipline their children. Some are caught in a hopelessly tangled situation, afraid to take action in case they're wrong. Others are simply weak-willed or cowardly by nature, and becoming a parent hasn't changed that fact.

[[AC:Anime and Manga]]

[[AC:Fanfiction]]

[[AC:Film]]

[[AC:Literature]]

[[AC:Live Action TV]]

[[AC:Webcomics]]

In order to qualify as a UBP, the parent must ''know'' that something is wrong. If they are completely unaware that their children are in trouble, they don't qualify. However, if they are [[StepfordSmiler clearly ''pretending'' that nothing is wrong]], and too quick to make excuses to concerned parties and handwave any possible unpleasantness, then they count. If they are in a situation where they are truly, totally helpless -- such as being chained up while their vicious ex-partner attacks their children -- then they do not count, as long as it is clear to the viewer that they ''would'' rescue their child if they could.

* Betty Sri'Vastra of ''Webcomic/FriendlyHostility'' appears to be the ''source'' of Collin's woes, but later comics indicate that she's actually trying to keep her upwardly-mobile, conservative husband happy by keeping Collin in line...and perhaps, acts as a buffer between the harsher personality of Jerry Sri'Vastra and their son. She recognises Collin's discontent, and when she discovers that Collin is gay, she doesn't tell her husband for fear that he won't let her see her son again. She won't stand up to Jerry, but she still doesn't want to lose her son.

* Betty Sri'Vastra of ''Webcomic/FriendlyHostility'' appears to be the ''source'' of Collin's woes, but later comics indicate that she's actually trying to keep her upwardly-mobile, conservative husband happy by keeping Collin in line...and perhaps, acts as a buffer between the harsher personality of Jerry Sri'Vastra and their son. She recognises Collin's discontent, and when she discovers that Collin is gay, she doesn't tell her husband for fear that he won't let her see her son again. She won't stand up to Jerry, but she still doesn't want to lose her son.

* In ''Manga/TheTarotCafe'', one story has an alchemist trying to woo a heartless princess, with her promising to love him if he can make her laugh. He creates a very humanlike jester "[[ArtificialHuman doll]]" for this purpose, which the princess starts torturing for her own amusement. The alchemist realizes what's happening to the jester and is horrified, but he meets with Pamela uncertain of what to do. [[spoiler:He eventually chooses to side with the jester, who feels genuine love for his creator, rather than the princess.]]

* In the ''Literature/HouseOfNight'' series, Zoey's mother is treated as this by both Zoey and her grandmother, who blame her for marrying an abusive man and neglecting her children. Considering the mom ''was'' apparently a good parent until her second marriage and her new husband is incredibly controlling of her (and the implication that she's financially dependent on him), this has a few UnfortunateImplications.

* In the film Film/DeadPoetsSociety, Neil's mother is revealed to be this in her small appearances in the film; while she clearly loves her son she does not stand up to her husband (a particularly mean FantasyForbiddingFather) forcing his life aspirations onto Neil even when she realizes how depressed it makes him.

* Momiji's dad in ''Manga/FruitsBasket''. Ultimately, he chooses his wife over his son, asking Hatori to wipe his wife's memory of Momiji to prevent her from confronting the oh-so-horrible fact that, through no fault of his own, Momiji turns into a cute bunny when hugged. He promises Momiji that he'll love him twice as much to make up for his mother rejecting him. Yet all we see him do is constantly run interference to make sure Momiji sees as little of his mother and sister as possible. Momiji is even expected to apologise if he runs into them accidentally. When Momiji's sister, Momo, decides she wants to learn the violin, Momiji's dad stops Momiji's lessons in favour of his daughter getting the best violin tuition, without the risk of her encountering her brother. As with nearly all parents in this series no-one ever calls him out on this.

* In the Danish film ''Film/The Celebration'', Else Klingenfeldt-Hansen did nothing to prevent her husband's horrific sexual abuse of their twin children, even when, on one occasion, she found him in the act of raping them.

They never hurt their children. They may clearly love their children. They probably know that they ''should'' protect their children. Yet they don't. Instead, they watch from the sidelines, chewing their lip and wringing their hands as their offspring are [[ParentalNeglect neglected]], [[FinancialAbuse exploited]] or [[AbusiveParents abused]].

The reason for their inaction varies. Many are scared of their partners and, in some cases, they have had their spirits broken — they tried to stand up for themselves or their children in the past, and the [[DomesticAbuse fallout was so terrifying]] that they gave up. Some feel that they owe loyalty to their partner first and foremost, no matter how horrible that partner may be or [[MyMasterRightOrWrong how much they disagree with them]]. Others suffer from such [[ExtremeDoormat crippling self esteem issues]] (usually made worse by the abusive party) that they fail to trust their own judgement, and assume that the abusive party must be right — the abuser must be the "proper" parent and the bystander is the weak one that doesn't know how to discipline their children. Some are caught in a hopelessly tangled situation, afraid to take action in case they're wrong. Others are simply weak-willed or cowardly by nature, and becoming a parent hasn't changed that fact.

This character is rarely completely unsympathetic, especially if we know that they have tried to do something. However, much depends on their circumstances: the spouse of a KnightTemplar who crusades for one child at the expense of the others is generally sympathetic, especially if they try to "make up" for the neglect. However, a parent who brings a new paramour into the house and stands by when he insults or attacks the kids might be judged even more harshly that the abuser -- not only have they failed to defend their children, they brought the threat into the house in the first place.

While the attacker is normally a partner or spouse, it can be a SadistTeacher or even a child bully that this parent cannot stand up to.

The opposite of a MamaBear or PapaWolf. Particularly depressing subtrope of AdultsAreUseless.

[[AC: Anime and Manga]]

* Momiji's dad in ''Manga/FruitsBasket''. Ultimately, he chooses his wife over his son, asking Hatori to wipe his wife's memory of Momiji to prevent her from confronting the oh-so-horrible fact that, through no fault of his own, Momiji turns into a cute bunny when hugged. He promises Momiji that he'll love him twice as much to make up for his mother rejecting him. Yet all we see him do is constantly run interference to make sure Momiji sees as little of his mother and sister as possible. Momiji is even expected to apologise if he runs into them accidentally. When Momiji's sister, Momo, decides she wants to learn the violin, Momiji's dad stops Momiji's lessons in favour of his daughter getting the best violin tuition, without the risk of her encountering her brother. As with nearly all parents in this series no-one ever calls him out on this.
* In a particularly dark chapter of ''Manga/PetShopOfHorrors'', a mother fears that she is this, even though she has already fled from her violent partner, She has nightmares in which she not only fails to protect her young son, she actually shoves him in front of her after her ex-partner tries to stab her. Ultimately, she's far from spineless - she dies shielding her son from her ex-partner's attack.

[[AC: Film]]

* In the film Film/DeadPoetsSociety, Neil's mother is revealed to be this in her small appearances in the film; while she clearly loves her son she does not stand up to her husband (a particularly mean FantasyForbiddingFather) forcing his life aspirations onto Neil even when she realizes how depressed it makes him.

[[AC: Literature]]

* In ''Stone Cold'' by Robert Swindells, the main character's mother allows her new boyfriend, Vince, to chase both of her children out of the house. Her older daughter moves in with her boyfriend after an implied proposition/assault by Vince. Her son, known only as "Link", fares even worse - Vince subjects him to constant insults (apparently trying to get the sixteen-year-old to leave), then locks him out of the house one night only to physically attack him upon his return, claiming to be enraged that Link "worried his mother" by staying out all night. He then leaves home, becoming homeless in the streets of Bradford. His mother clearly knows that Vince is abusive...but never once defends her children. This eventually leads to a disastrous Christmas party where Vince viciously berates and mocks Link...while his mother and sister stand by and say nothing. In fact, their Christmas gift to him is a ''sleeping bag'' -- confirmation that, rather than rescuing him, they're effectively abandoning him and expect him to remain homeless. Link deciding to take his chances living on the street in London rather than living anywhere near Vince.

* In ''Literature/MySistersKeeper'', Brian never seems entirely comfortable with using Anna as a WalkingTransplant. Yet he does nothing for 13 years, during which Anna undergoes many painful, invasive surgeries. He seems to be making a stand when she herself sues for medical emancipation though...only to break down on the stand and admit that really, he wants Anna to do what her mother, Sara, wants her to do (presumably because he's terrified that Anna's sister, Kate, will die otherwise...or because he clings to the family's status quo).

[[AC: Live Action TV]]

* In ''Series/{{Quincy}}'' episode "A Good Smack in the Mouth", a mother fails to protect her son from an abusive boyfriend. Even the boy's teacher and doctor believe the excuses for all the injuries.

[[AC: Webcomics]]

* Betty Sri'Vastra of ''Webcomic/FriendlyHostility'' appears to be the ''source'' of Collin's woes, but later comics indicate that she's actually trying to keep her upwardly-mobile, conservative husband happy by keeping Collin in line...and perhaps, acts as a buffer between the harsher personality of Jerry Sri'Vastra and their son. She recognises Collin's discontent, and when she discovers that Collin is gay, she doesn't tell her husband for fear that he won't let her see her son again. She won't stand up to Jerry, but she still doesn't want to lose her son.

Examples:

• In a particularly dark chapter of ''Manga/PetShopOfHorrors'', a mother fears that she is this, even though she has already fled from her violent partner, She has nightmares in which she not only fails to protect her young son, she actually shoves him in front of her after her ex-partner tries to stab her. Ultimately, she's far from spineless - she dies shielding her son from her ex-partner's attack.

* In ''Series/Quincy'' episode "A Good Smack in the Mouth", a mother fails to protect her son from an abusive boyfriend. Even the boy's teacher and doctor believe the excuses for all the injuries.

* Betty Sri'Vastra of ''Webcomic/FriendlyHostilty'' appears to be the ''source'' of Collin's woes, but later comics indicate that she's actually trying to keep her upwardly-mobile, conservative husband happy by keeping Collin in line...and perhaps, acts as a buffer between the harsher personality of Jerry Sri'Vastra and their son. She recognises Collin's discontent, and when she discovers that Collin is gay, she doesn't tell her husband for fear that he won't let her see her son again. She won't stand up to Jerry, but she still doesn't want to lose her son.

• In a particularly dark chapter of ''Manga/PetShopofHorrors'', a mother fears that she is this, even though she has already fled from her violent partner, She has nightmares in which she not only fails to protect her young son, she actually shoves him in front of her after her ex-partner tries to stab her. Ultimately, she's far from spineless - she dies shielding her son from her ex-partner's attack.

* Betty Sri'Vastra of ''Webcomics/FriendlyHostilty'' appears to be the ''source'' of Collin's woes, but later comics indicate that she's actually trying to keep her upwardly-mobile, conservative husband happy by keeping Collin in line...and perhaps, acts as a buffer between the harsher personality of Jerry Sri'Vastra and their son. She recognises Collin's discontent, and when she discovers that Collin is gay, she doesn't tell her husband for fear that he won't let her see her son again. She won't stand up to Jerry, but she still doesn't want to lose her son.