A concern frequently discussed by divorced parents is that when children are supposed to visit the non-custodial parent, the children often asks not to be forced to make the visit. Some parents interpret this behavior as meaning that the child doesn’t want to see the other parent. However, there are many reasons why children don’t like going between parents; some of those reasons are discussed below.
The Children Want to See the Other Parent; But They Don’t Want to Leave, Either
Children may be perfectly willing to spend visitation time with their other parent, but they may not want to leave the custodial parent’s house. It’s quite common for people to want two results that are mutually exclusive; people want to have their cake and eat it too, and children aren’t any different. Children of divorced parents want to be with both, all the time, and many entertain fantasies of their parents getting back together.
Non-Verbal Cues From the Custodial Parent
Children sometimes sense non-verbal signals from the parent they’re departing from. They can pick up on that parent’s sadness as they leave; sometimes, resistance to visiting the other parent is a reflection of those feelings, and not something that comes from within the child.
Some Kids Are Just Uncomfortable
Children often find it simply uncomfortable to change from one home to the other, because of different rules, environments and routines. The upset is usually temporary; some children welcome the change while others have a harder time dealing with it. Parents should not arrive at a conclusion too quickly when children are reluctant to visit the other parent. In these cases, it’s best to choose a counselor or to call TSMS Law, who can help the child and the parents find out what’s really going on.
Just as it is important to figure out what’s bothering the child, it’s vital to find a solution to the issue. Many parents propose stopping visitation entirely, but child custody lawyers in Springboro, OH would tell a client that’s very rarely the best choice. A counselor and child custody lawyers in Springboro, OH can help divorced parents find a way for children to be comfortable spending time in both parents’ homes. In most cases, it’s the parents who have something to learn, and it is their job to reassure the children that it’s OK to love and want to spend time with the other parent.
