Jane the Virgin: The Parenting Decision

Spoiler alert: This article contains information from the episode “Chapter Twenty-Six” which may not have aired yet in some regions.

Being a new parent causes many emotions to stir: uncertainty, worry, fear. In the episode titled “Chapter Twenty-Six”, Jane was confronted with these emotions as she struggled to make the best decisions for her son, Mateo.

New father Rafael was also focused on doing what was best for Mateo. He felt that he was a passerby in his son’s life.  Rafael suggested that they co-parent, giving him the opportunity to be a more active participant in his son’s upbringing.

This should have eased Jane’s mind. With Rafael’s assistance, she would have time to concentrate on her school assignments as well as plan best friend Lina’s twenty-fifth birthday party. But Jane has a ‘Type A’ personality. She needs to be in control of the situation. Jane prepared a baby cheat sheet for Rafael, with pages of instructions for Mateo’s care. The definition of co-parenting is both parents are working together to raise their child. Jane will need to learn to trust Rafael’s judgement.

It was good seeing Jane enjoying herself dancing at Lina’s birthday party. Viewers were given the sense that Jane had accepted Rafael as her parenting partner and was celebrating by letting her hair down. The decision to allow Rafael to co-parent may help with Jane’s other decision, Michael or Rafael. Seeing the kind of father Rafael is will help Jane to see the type of man he is.

Jane the Virgin airs Mondays at 9/8c on The CW.