Children of divorce often spend more time with one parent than they do with the other. Sometimes this is simply for practical reasons. In other instances, it can be because their other parent is either failing to step up or has been alienated from the kids by the custodial parent.
After a parent has been apart from their child for a stretch of time, it may become harder to heal that breach and re-establish their parent-child bond. The days become weeks — and months can turn to years.
Time lost is never recaptured
Fathers who are not honoring the custody schedule by skipping visitation with their children put their kids at risk for developing unhealthy coping strategies and other behavior patterns. Research proves that involved dads rear stronger and more resilient children.
Supportive and loving fathers enhance their children’s social skills and cognitive development. Kids who grow up with their fathers playing positive roles in their lives tend to be more self-confident and well-grounded. When dads have restrictive relationships with their children or are absent entirely from their lives, it is the kids who have the most to lose.
Fight for your role in your children’s lives
Divorce and the end of relationships when children are involved can be messy affairs that may seem to defy resolution. But simply ceding your presence in the kids’ lives at the whim of your co-parent or for your own convenience can adversely affect the kids.
Remember that children mirror their parents’ behaviors as the blueprint for their own later adult intimate relationships. Stable and emotionally healthy co-parents who can cooperate with one another for their children’s sake imprint these desired behavior patterns on their offspring.
These precious parent-child relationships require nourishment. Learning more about the custody laws here in Virginia can help you build a strong case to retain or regain custody post-divorce.