Transitions

The transition for the children from one parent's home to the other parent's home can be stressful, especially if the parents handle it badly and/or don't get along well. You may see behavioral changes before and after each exchange anywhere from anger, pouting, exciteability, or clinging to you. This does not automatically mean that the child never wants to leave you or doesn't want to see their other parent or vice versa (this is in general...I am not talking about abusive situations here). You may see physical symptoms as well such as stomach aches.

My advice would be to encourage your child to have a good time with their other parent and not make them feel bad or let them think you will be lonely without them there. Making your child worry about you isn't fair to them. Remember who the parent is (and it's not the little one with the tummy aches!). Don't let them see you crying when they leave or stand at the driveway and stare at the car with your children in it all the way down the road until it is out of sight!

We've had some bad experiences with this ourselves because it wasn't handled properly and the kids paid the price. I'd like to hear if you've had any as well. It seems too common.