Mum's heartwarming tribute to her ex's new girlfriend

Seeing an ex move on with a new partner can be a confronting situation for anyone - and when children are involved, even more so.

Yet for US mum Brittney Johnson, having her ex’s girlfriend help in raising her young daughter has been a “gift”.

In a Facebook post that’s been shared by thousands of people, Johnson pays tribute to Kayla Imhoff, who’s become an “amazing bonus mum” to Payton.

“I prayed one night for the type of woman my daughter's father would be with, knowing that she would be raised in two homes,” the single mum writes.

“Kayla has been a gift of so much more than I could have hoped for.”

Video: Gwyneth Paltrow reflects on her approach to co-parenting with ex Chris Martin.

At the same time, they also allow each other the space to develop their own bond with Payton.

In her now-viral Facebook post, Johnson explains she wants her daughter to be surrounded by “strong, smart and sweet” role models, something Imhoff has proven herself to be.

“She started nursing school and Payton has been infatuated ever since. So Kayla ordered a pair of mini scrubs for her to match,” she writes, referencing the photo included in the post.

“Thank you Kayla for showing Payton how to chase her dreams, how to work hard and stay up late to study for a test. 

“Thank you for still making time to ride her bike with her and make her mac and cheese even in one of the stressful times of your life.”

Brittney and Payton. Image: Facebook

Johnson concludes by urging anyone in a co-parenting situation to remember what’s in their child’s best interests. 

“Payton has more people to love her this way, and what more could a mother ever want for her child?” she writes.

“Being best friends with me AND being best friends with Kayla, is exactly where P deserves to be.”

Imhoff has also shared her own message for mums in a similar situation, telling Babble, “It’s never easy for someone to put their child in the care of someone else; especially a birth mom, so always take her feelings into account.