If she's travelling a lot, stability for the child could be her biggest reason. Also, if she doesn't have a steady income, while he does, that could be another reason. You don't have to demonise her.
Personal story time:
I went through a really rough patch, mentally, and had two young children. Because I felt I could not care for them - one has disabilities - I turned over custody to their paternal grandmother (even though I was divorced and HATE her son, my former hubby, and their father) so that they could have stability, and my disabled child could get the help she needed, while I got myself together. It eventually turned into a permanent arrangement, because I took a LONG time to get myself together, and by then, them staying and not being uprooted was in their best interest. I have a beautiful, open relationship with them. If I hadn't done what I did, though, I doubt they'd be as well adjusted and terrific as they are now.
no subject
Personal story time:
I went through a really rough patch, mentally, and had two young children. Because I felt I could not care for them - one has disabilities - I turned over custody to their paternal grandmother (even though I was divorced and HATE her son, my former hubby, and their father) so that they could have stability, and my disabled child could get the help she needed, while I got myself together. It eventually turned into a permanent arrangement, because I took a LONG time to get myself together, and by then, them staying and not being uprooted was in their best interest. I have a beautiful, open relationship with them. If I hadn't done what I did, though, I doubt they'd be as well adjusted and terrific as they are now.