Tips For the Visiting Parent

It’s understandable that you may initially feel uncomfortable being in the presence of someone else while spending time with your children. You likely have many questions and concerns. I encourage you to focus on your relationship with your child(ren) during these sessions, as your patience and commitment are important.

I offer the following suggestions that will hopefully be helpful for you:

• Before your first session, read the court order thoroughly and be sure that you understand its parameters.

• Arrive and depart on time.

• Avoid sharing details for your court case, or the term of your visit with your children.

• Quizzing your children about the other parent’s activities is strongly discouraged.

• Your children should not be responsible for delivering messages to the other parent.

• When the visit is over, make your good-byes to the children brief and positive.