The School for Good Mothers

Frida’s birthday passes, and she tells no one about it. The mothers and fathers begin Unit 7, about communication, and roleplay arguing about child support with exes, using a script. The shouting and swearing make the dolls confused and upset. Frida thinks the script does not resemble how she and Gust talk. When Frida is paired with Tucker, he adds extra lines to the script, about how he wants to be with her when they get out and she can meet his son. She still resists him.

Frida’s chances of regaining custody improve to “fair,” and she regains phone privileges, through which she learns that Susanna is 21 weeks pregnant, and she and Gust are engaged. He’s given her his grandmother’s ring, which he didn’t give to Frida because he was supposedly opposed to diamonds. They’ve been potty-training Harriet, who says she’s a big kid now. She begs Frida to come back.

In class, the mothers and fathers practice communicating peacefully with stepparents, again using a script. Frida’s counselor encourages her to be thankful for Susanna’s sacrifices and warns her to stay away from Tucker, which is difficult for Frida because he treats her like she’s worthy of love.