The days when a child has to go from one parent to the other can be very stressful for them. There are several reasons why it could be a hard day. They may be excited about getting to see the parent they’re going to but they already miss the parent they’re having to leave behind. This conflict of emotions can be hard for them to process.
Another reason why they might be upset on these days is that they worry their parents will argue. Most children don’t like conflict between their parents, partly because they feel as though they’ll have to choose a side. When you think about all these things, it’s easy to see why the kids might look to the adults for stability and help on transition days.
What can you do to help the children?
One of the most important things that you can do to help the kids is to keep everything peaceful for them. Transition days aren’t a good time to talk about anything that might be contentious with your ex. Instead, focus solely on the children so they have the support they need.
It may help the kids if you develop a routine for the transition days. Typically, it’s best for the parent who has the children to bring them to the other parent. This prevents the child from having to wonder when the other parent will show up. And, they can start processing the transition in the vehicle.
Any parent who’s going through a divorce should ensure they have everything in order for the children. The parenting plan must be set up in a way that puts the kids first. Making sure that you have everything covered can help everyone learn how to adjust to the new way of life. As time passes, you may realize that you need to change some aspects of the agreement and you can modify it so it continues to meet the child’s needs.