We agreed to splitting Christmas as kids are with Mom on Christmas Eve, then exchange at noon on Christmas Day until Wednesday morning, then we go back to our regular visitation.
Our 7 year old is going balistic about going to Dad's on Christmas Day, as he feels he is missing out on something, and its not on the regular "schedule" of Wednesday night and Saturday evenings, which he is use too, and wants to spend Christmas with his family in his home, and Dad should just spend it here (not going to happen ) I have re assured him he is NOT missing out on anything, and Christmas Dinner will be on the 24th, followed by Santa the next morning, then brunch, then have fun at Dad's Christmas, where there will be presents and a Christmas Dinner.
The boy is beside himself (he is developmentally delayed, so think more of a 2-3 year old tantrum) to the point of self harm. (Banging head against the wall). I finally found a therapist this year that he seems to connect with and trust me, there is not very many he is willing to talk too. She is recommending that no more overnights at Dad's because she feels this is the cause of the stress. I disagree, in the fact that the child needs to get use to having 2 homes, and its been over a year now since we separated. Dad feels that I am alienating child to not want to go, but I honestly dont think this is the case. Apparently when child is with Dad, he just "wines" to go "home". When in reality he has to get use to having 2 homes. He does have a 3 year old brother, who LOVES going and they are together during visits.
I admit I am finding it difficult being a single parent, and I really look forward to enjoying my one night off a week to regroup, relax or hang out with friends.
The child suffers from severe anxiety and is developmentally delayed, routine and consistency is KEY to him., I am hoping someone who has a child like this give me some advice on how you handled these situations. I would also like to mention, he eagerly goes to Grandma's for sleep overs about once a month, so I am confused about being scared of sleepovers.
This is why I feel so strongly that 50/50 parenting should be the law, and no choice in the matter (unless in extreme circumstances where a parent is unfit) children wouldn't be in these circumstances.
Hope I am making some sense in this post because I am beyond "frazzled"!!!
Our 7 year old is going balistic about going to Dad's on Christmas Day, as he feels he is missing out on something, and its not on the regular "schedule" of Wednesday night and Saturday evenings, which he is use too, and wants to spend Christmas with his family in his home, and Dad should just spend it here (not going to happen ) I have re assured him he is NOT missing out on anything, and Christmas Dinner will be on the 24th, followed by Santa the next morning, then brunch, then have fun at Dad's Christmas, where there will be presents and a Christmas Dinner.
The boy is beside himself (he is developmentally delayed, so think more of a 2-3 year old tantrum) to the point of self harm. (Banging head against the wall). I finally found a therapist this year that he seems to connect with and trust me, there is not very many he is willing to talk too. She is recommending that no more overnights at Dad's because she feels this is the cause of the stress. I disagree, in the fact that the child needs to get use to having 2 homes, and its been over a year now since we separated. Dad feels that I am alienating child to not want to go, but I honestly dont think this is the case. Apparently when child is with Dad, he just "wines" to go "home". When in reality he has to get use to having 2 homes. He does have a 3 year old brother, who LOVES going and they are together during visits.
I admit I am finding it difficult being a single parent, and I really look forward to enjoying my one night off a week to regroup, relax or hang out with friends.
The child suffers from severe anxiety and is developmentally delayed, routine and consistency is KEY to him., I am hoping someone who has a child like this give me some advice on how you handled these situations. I would also like to mention, he eagerly goes to Grandma's for sleep overs about once a month, so I am confused about being scared of sleepovers.
This is why I feel so strongly that 50/50 parenting should be the law, and no choice in the matter (unless in extreme circumstances where a parent is unfit) children wouldn't be in these circumstances.
Hope I am making some sense in this post because I am beyond "frazzled"!!!
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