Visiting Tips and Links for Parents
Supervised visits initially, may seem strange or uncomfortable for you. It is not unreasonable to have questions and concerns. During your visits, focus on your relationship with your child(ren). Your dedication and perseverance are important during this time.
You may find the following helpful to you:
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Read the court order.
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Arrive and depart on time.
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Avoid discussing the court case or terms of the visit with your children.
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Avoid quizzing your children about the other parent’s activities and relationships.
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Avoid making your children messengers to the other parent.
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Say brief and positive good-byes to your children when the visit is over.
Custodial parent:
Supervised visitation may be a difficult for you. For the most part you have been your child(ren)'s primary care taker and you may wonder how these visits will affect your children.Here are a few suggestions that might help you:
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Read the court order.
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Explain to your children where and when the visits will take place.
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Have your children ready with anything they will need during the visits.
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Arrive on time to drop off and pick up your children.
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Reassure your children that you support them in having a pleasant visit.
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Avoid quizzing your children about the visit.
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Avoid making your children messengers to the other parent.
For Both Parents:
If you need to change the visitation schedule, the provider cannot do that for you. You will need to ask the court to change the visitation order. To assist you in filing the proper paperwork with the court, contact your lawyer or the family law facilitator in your court.
Supervised visitation can be uncomfortable at times. Parents may have angry feelings toward the other parent. Remember that both of you care about your children and that children benefit from having 2 parents in their lives whenever possible. Remaining positive about the visits will only benefit your child(ren).
HELPFUL LINKS
