How to improve relationship with children during visitation

A child custody case does not have to be the downfall of your relationship with your children, no matter the outcome. Even if you have reduced visitation rights you can still improve your relationship with your children during those visits. Here are some tips to make that happen in Maryland.

One of the most important things you can do is learn to listen to your children. Listen as much as possible to what they have to say and try to understanding their thoughts by putting yourself in their shoes. Keep in mind that this situation is not easy for them to handle either.

Even if you have a shorter visitation schedule than you had hoped, you should still make time to talk with your child as much as possible. This can be done via phone calls, text messages, video chats, and emails. There should be no problem with you speaking with your children, even when it’s not your scheduled visitation day. Children need both parents in their lives, no matter how the involvement happens.

When you have your children during scheduled visits be sure to talk about positive things. This can be their academics, sports, friends, favorite television shows and much more. Avoid constantly discussing negative topics, such as the custody case or negative comments about your co-parent, with your children during your visits as they can begin to dread them.

Child custody is a touchy subject for many families in Maryland. Speaking with an experienced family law attorney can help you understand what to expect during child custody cases.

Source: Our Family Wizard, “Five Strategies to Improve Parent-Child Communication,” accessed July 18, 2017