Yes, exactly. 17 is the completely wrong age to stop.
Also though...don't go forward with the "your mom is the villain here" assumption in any communications with the kid, even if you are 100% correct. IF the kid finds their mom to be a problem in any way, they will TELL YOU...AFTER you've established a relationship. If, instead, you badmouth the hard-working single parent they adore, the one who was there for school plays or ballgames or quiet board game nights or whatever it is the kid has for cherished childhood memories...they'll know what they need to know about you, LW.
no subject
Also though...don't go forward with the "your mom is the villain here" assumption in any communications with the kid, even if you are 100% correct. IF the kid finds their mom to be a problem in any way, they will TELL YOU...AFTER you've established a relationship. If, instead, you badmouth the hard-working single parent they adore, the one who was there for school plays or ballgames or quiet board game nights or whatever it is the kid has for cherished childhood memories...they'll know what they need to know about you, LW.