Following divorce, most parents are eager to see their children as frequently as possible. Often this desire results in heated battles in or out of court focused on custody issues.
In many cases, parents may not want to “share” the children. However, they often realize this is in their child’s best interest, and therefore come up with an arrangement they can live with. In families that don’t co-parent, usually one parent has primary custody of the children with the other parent taking the reins on a scheduled basis. This regular visitation may be over weekends, specific days per month, or periodic visits during the year if distance is a factor.
In some cases, however, one parent may decide not to play a part in the lives of their children after divorce. This, of course, is one of the saddest outcomes of divorce. Children become the innocent victims of circumstances far beyond their ability to understand.
Trying to understand the rejecting parent’s behavior
Why would a parent choose to “divorce” their own children? While this behavior is certainly difficult to comprehend, several factors influence this extreme decision.
For example, a parent may …
· feel it’s not in their best interest for the children to be with them. Career, social or medical factors can all lead to a decision in this direction.
· feel it’s not in the children’s best interest to have contact with them. This may be due to drug, alcohol or other addictions, severe medical conditions, depression or other personal issues.
· believe having a family and all the responsibilities that go with it are keeping them from achieving their personal goals. Consequently, they take off to follow their dreams — be it regarding romance, career, sports, travel or other lifestyle factors.
· be moving into another scenario, such as marrying a new partner, and choosing not to bring the children into the picture. Sometimes other stepchildren or a new lover become a replacement.
Explaining without excusing to your children
This, of course, gives the remaining parent an enormous physical and psychological burden to bear. They love and care for their children, but they are now single parents coping with the additional drama and trauma that comes with it. They are also left with the difficult challenge of explaining to the kids why their other parent is no longer in their life. And emphasizing that this is in no way their fault!
It’s easy to see how children can blame themselves for the abandonment. Often therapy sessions for both the children and parent are helpful. Others benefit from working with a good coach who can offer valuable tools and strategies to get kids through these tough circumstances. Encouraging your children to talk about their feelings can help them better understand what is happening. It can also open the door to acceptance and adjustment over time.
Professional guidance from a therapist or coach may be a real asset when determining what and how much you want to say. This is particularly important when the details involve adult-level content. You need to strike a balance in your communication so that you don’t wound your child’s ego or self-confidence; you also don’t want to make excuses for a parent’s unfathomable behavior. It is wise not to imply that the other parent does not want to be with them or prefers to live with another family. Instead you can talk about the complexities that parent is experiencing and that they need some time to get their life back on track.
Sometimes the absent parent may have a change of heart after distancing themselves for months or even years. However, it’s best not to keep your children’s hope up when they may be facing continued disappointment in the years ahead. But whenever possible, do keep the door open to communication with the other parent, if you can.
It’s your responsibility to create a home life that gives your kids the love and support they need. Keep being there for them. Single parents can be great parents. Never forget: because your children deserve the best, they’ve got you!
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Rosalind Sedacca, CDC is a Divorce & Co-Parenting Coach and Founder of the Child-Centered Divorce Network. She is the author of numerous books, courses and programs on divorce and co-parenting challenges, breaking the divorce news to your children, coping with anger, dating and other relevant issues. To learn about her coaching services and other valuable resources for parents, visit https://www.childcentereddivorce.com.
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