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We all have deep-seated fears. Spiders (my wife). Heights (me). Eating meat (my vegan daughter).
There is one deep-seated fear in all newly separated fathers: he will not be an important part of the lives of his children.
I can’t tell you how many times I have heard this worry. Sometimes it is the very first thing that a client tells me. Even some of the best and most involved fathers have openly raised this issue as their greatest fear.
So, I am sending out this post not to reassure fathers. That is like trying to convince someone who is afraid of flying that air travel is statistically safe. The fear is real, whether realistic or not.
I am sending out this post to the mothers who may be dealing with their first separated Father’s Day. I have some tips:
- Try to find the time to craft a handmade Father’s Day card. I still keep mine, including the paper necktie! Your former spouse will know that the kids did not come up with this on their own. You are sending a very important message that you value his involvement in the life of the children;
- This may be the first Father’s Day with you in a new relationship. But the father of your children is worried about being replaced. A short card or note from you reassuring your former spouse that he will always be their father will create long-lasting goodwill;
- If, by any chance, the kids are waking up with their father in a different residence, then have the children face time their father. The earlier in the morning, the better.
- That being said, there is no reason why Father’s Day should not be spent between the children and their father.
These are a couple of tips that I think will help. But I wasn’t born in La-La Land. Some of these things may be hard to do, especially if Mother’s Day was not respected. But we have been told time and time again that nothing is more damaging to children than a less than respectful relationship between mom and dad. So, bite your tongue, and it may bleed. But take the step.
If you have questions about child custody and access, or about managing family dynamics following a separation or divorce, call 519.973.1500 or contact us online. We serve clients in Windsor, Essex County and throughout the region.
