Explaining an Absent Parent to Your Child
After your divorce or separation, your bond with your child’s other parent may have broken. However, a child’s bond with their parent does not break after a divorce or separation. Children want both of their parents to be actively involved in their lives, even after a divorce or separation. Unfortunately, some parents do not remain actively involved in their children’s lives after a divorce or separation. Explaining the absence of a parent to a child is one of the most difficult things to do. But while this can be a complex topic, it is something you cannot avoid discussing. Below are some tips on how to explain an absent parent to your child.
- Prepare Emotionally
Before having a conversation with your child, it is crucial that you prepare yourself emotionally. This involves taking time to process your own emotions about the situation. If the other parent is not present in your child’s life, you may be experiencing a range of emotions, including anger, sadness, frustration, or grief. If, for example, you are angry, anxious, or overwhelmed, your child may pick up your emotions and feel unsettled, too. Work through your feelings before talking to your child. You can do this by talking to a trusted family member or friend, seeking professional guidance, or journaling. Preparing emotionally is vital for ensuring your feelings don’t affect your child.
- Be Honest
When talking to your child about their absent parent, it is vital to be honest. While you want to ensure you remain sensitive to your child’s feelings, you don’t want to deceive them. However, while you need to be honest, the level of detail should be detailed according to your child’s age and maturity. For younger children, it is best to give simple explanations. On the other hand, older children may require more specifics.
- Reassure Your Child It’s Not Their Fault
When their parent no longer comes around, some children start blaming themselves. Reassure your child that the other parent’s absence has nothing to do with them. Let them know that they did not do anything that pushed the other parent away. Let your child know that this is not a problem they can solve or something they can change.
- Offer Reassurance of Your Presence
If one parent is not present, a child may fear that the other parent may disappear, too. Let your child know that you love them unconditionally and you will never abandon them. This reassurance can offer your child a sense of security and help them navigate their emotions.
- Avoid Talking Negatively About the Other Parent
When discussing your child’s other parent’s absence, refrain from speaking negatively about them. Badmouthing the other parent could cause significant harm. It could create internal conflict for your child, who may feel torn between their loyalty to you and the other parent. Speaking negatively about the other parent may also cause legal problems. Some courts view parental alienation, which occurs when one parent tries to turn a child against the other parent, as a form of emotional abuse. A court may view such behavior as detrimental to your child’s best interests and could modify child custody arrangements.
Contact an Orlando Family Lawyer
If you need legal help, contact our Orlando family lawyers at Arwani Law Firm.
