13 of 14

Write now Article Tools

Keeping you child's non-custodial parent involved...From a Non-Custodial parent point of view.

It seems easy to set out guidelines for visitation times, dates, holidays, birthdays and vacation, even more so if you are the custodial parent. While there is joint and sole custody...one needs to examine the approach. In my case and what I will be sharing comes from a Sole custody- Non-Custodial parent. While the NCP is a very cold and emotional detaching phrase, it should not be one that the child should have to hear until they are able to understand such judicial terminology. The NCP is already having feelings of defeat, desperation, and alienation when it comes to their responsibility as a parent for what ever the reason the divorce may have been. While it is not the responsibility for the CP to go out of her way to ensure that the NCP is compliant with the new court ordered mandate, here are some things that can help the NCP. Do not make it a control issue. What I mean is if the court orders CP to involve the NCP in the child's education...do it. Send them copies of whatever information is required in accordance to the divorce decree. Not doing so in a regular and timely manner only increases (and in most cases re-affirms the NCP dread of parent alienation) the feeling of hopelessness. Encourage the NCP's child to write often, even if the NCP does not write at a regular interval. This will not only facilitate proof that the attempt were made, but it encourages the NCP and show them proof that their child is equally interested in them as the NCP is. Be as civil as possible in front of the child's NCP when meeting together. Stay in accordance to the visitation hours and as long as a place is not in the divorce decree, include the child in requesting where they would like to meet (i.e. park, Chucky cheese, bowling alley...).In doing this, you increase the bond between the NCP and child. The NCP is more aptly to oblige knowing that the child has chosen the location arbitrarily; than knowing it was chosen by the CP. Keep the NCP informed of any emergency or medical situation that may arise. If the NCP's child is sick, encourage that they should visit and wish the child well (or if not possible talk to the child over the phone). Encourage communication between NCP and child. It may not be physically possible all the time, but do not close the line of communication. In doing so, the NCP may see it as a control tactic because a strong bond between NCP and child

• 1
• 2
• next page >>

Add your voice

Know something about Keys to keeping your child's non-custodial parent involved?
We want to hear your view. Write now!