It’s incredibly hard for any parent to see disappointment on a child’s face, but unfortunately, divorce can bring that look home much more frequently. That’s heartbreaking to a mom or dad – especially when it’s because the other parent failed to show up to visit the children.
Aside from talking to your Aurora divorce lawyer about the issues you’re having with your ex, which may help your children in the long run, there are a few things you can do to make them feel better in the short-term. Although it’s not a replacement for quality time with their other parent, you spending time with them is always good.
What to Do when Your Ex is a No-Show
It’s natural for all of you to feel upset when your ex doesn’t show up for the kids, but try to curb your frustration while they’re around. Kids, no matter how old they are, take their cues from you – and psychologists suggest that staying as positive as possible is the best way to cope with a no-show ex.
You may have to rearrange your plans, which is unfortunate – but what’s most important is to reassure your kids that you love them.
Psychologists suggest that you:
- Don’t make excuses for your ex.
- Don’t berate your ex in front of the children, or speak poorly of him or her to the children.
- Do make sure your kids understand that both of you still love them, even if some things get in the way of spending time together.
- Do ask your kids if they’d like to talk about the way they feel after a missed visit.
When to Bring in Your Aurora Divorce Lawyer
If your ex makes it a habit to miss visits with your kids, you might want to talk to your Aurora divorce lawyer to see if you can change your custody or access order. Remember, though, that there’s no guarantee that the courts will agree. In most cases, it’s best if you and your ex can try to work out a new schedule that keeps your whole family happy.
