There are times when one parent might be taken away from their children. This may occur if a parent is deployed in the military, serving time in prison, moves away because of work or chooses not to parent the child for a while. It can be hard for children to understand why their parent hasn’t been around. It might be just as difficult for them to accept the absent parent’s return.
As the parent who has provided your child with stability during this time, your child will likely look to you for guidance and comfort during this time. It’s imperative that you remember these points as you help your children.
Don’t try to rush the child
The vast majority of children who are going through situations like this will need time to acclimate to the returning parent. They shouldn’t be forced to spend long periods of time with that parent. You have to pay attention to how the children are faring with various forms and durations of visits.
Determine if supervision is needed
There are situations that might require the returning parent to have supervised visits with the children. In some cases, this may be a good idea if the supervising party is someone who the children know, so they can feel more comfortable.
Check the parenting plan
When an absent parent returns, it’s imperative that you have rules that are legally enforceable. These can help ensure that your children remain safe and that they’re being cared for properly. Discussing the situation with your attorney may prove especially helpful in this case, so they can provide you with the legal guidance and work with you to ensure your children are protected.
