How Dads, Kids Can Cope with Father's Day Apart

 Posted on June 15, 2018 in Child Custody

Father’s Day can have added significance for both a dad and his children after divorce. Fathers are more often the parent that receives less parenting time after the divorce. So, the holiday is a time dedicated to reaffirming the relationship between a divorced father and his children. Unfortunately, divorced fathers do not always see their children on Father’s Day:

• The father may live far enough away that visits are difficult;
• The schedules of either the father or the children may interfere with a visit; or
• The father may have restricted access to the children as part of the parenting plan.

There are ways that fathers and their children can ease the emotional pain of not being together on Father’s Day. In some cases, the mother can help, as well:

1. Choose a Makeup Date: There is no law saying that you can only celebrate Father’s Day on a specific day of the year. Fathers and their children can pick a date that works for them as their unofficial Father’s Day. They can have all of the same festivities that would be part of a normal Father’s Day celebration. The only difference between the new date and the official date is that the father and his children may need to plan more things on their own. They will not be able to rely on public events recognizing Father’s Day.
2. Set Up a Video Call: Being able to talk to their dad can help children feel better about not actually being with him on Father’s Day. A video call using a service like Skype would be ideal so the dad and his kids can have a more personal interaction. There are even ways to play games or watch movies together using Skype so that the dad can have a fun experience with his children.
3. Mom Helping Out: If the children are unable to see or talk to their dad, the mother may be left with depressed children on Father’s Day. A mother cannot replace what the father means to their children, but she can acknowledge that it is a special day for the children by planning a fun activity or treat for them. If her own father can join the fun, it could add significance for the children.

Paternal Relationship

Fathers have a right to parenting time with their children, as long as they are not a danger to them. A Kane County family law attorney at Goostree Law Group will protect your rights when creating a parenting agreement. Schedule a free consultation by calling 630-584-4800.

Source:

https://www.divorcemag.com/blog/fathers-day-without-dad-coping-tips/