If it is the father who moved out and he has his own apartment, unless he is a professional interior decorator, there's a very good chance his place bears absolutely no resemblance to the family home. No offense to the dads who lack aesthetic flair, but even if you took the marital furniture with you, there is something lacking, and the kids notice. Normally, little girls are protective of their dad and can feel sad for him.
Believe me, I have seen these places and these homes and I have heard from the children. They usually say things like, " I hate going to dad's he has nothing on the walls." or, "dad doesn't know how to clean, it's always dirty." And "dad’s apartment is so depressing, do I have to go?" I also hear from children who visit their parent at their grandparent's home. Children have said, “I don't want to stay at grandma's house to see dad, it feels weird."
When these comments continue to be a hindrance to the parent/child relationship we offer a family session to clear the air and to solve for this emotional, financial, and tangible problem.
It’s not until the family can sit in session and talk about their thoughts and feelings about these new changes that impact everyone. Tears, laughter and open communication clear the air. As long as all parties can be empathetic, patient and be creative. The displaced parent feels heard, the residential parent realizes the impact on the children, and the children can express their needs in an open forum. Having a family session is the first step toward collective bargaining. Family concerns will come up now
Go to www.danagreco.com and www.mediationandcounseling.com
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