Concerns about childern behaviour
5 answers /
Last post: 10/02/2024 at 11:12 pm
We have court orders stating that the children will spend alternative weekends with the other parent. However, during the past two visits, one of my children has displayed concerning behavior in the middle of the night. Now, my second child is refusing to go and is crying, expressing a desire not to visit the other parent. Today, they are both withdrawn, and they even refused to go to school. All the second child wants is to be with the other parent. Despite my attempts to investigate the root cause of this behavior, no clear outcome has emerged.
Hi Ansa
I'm Catherine, one of the Parent Supporters here at Netmums. You've shared that you are worried about your children's behaviour and believe this has started since contact - is that right? How old are your children? Can you tell us a little more about what you have noticed so we can try to signpost you to appropriate supports?
Ansa, are you able to chat to the other parent and find out what they noticed?
Hopefully some of our lovely community will be along soon to offer support but do come back to us if you would like to chat some more?
Catherine
Hi Ansa
I'm Catherine, one of the Parent Supporters here at Netmums. You've shared that you are worried about your children's behaviour and believe this has started since contact - is that right? How old are your children? Can you tell us a little more about what you have noticed so we can try to signpost you to appropriate supports?
Ansa, are you able to chat to the other parent and find out what they noticed?
Hopefully some of our lovely community will be along soon to offer support but do come back to us if you would like to chat some more?
Catherine
Hi Catherine,
Thank you for reaching out and offering support. Yes, my children are 4 and 7 years old. Ever since they started their two-night stays with their other parent, I've noticed some significant changes in their behavior.
My son has started having nightmares and wakes up crying. He refuses to share what's troubling him when I ask. Now from past 2 weeks he stopped.
As for my daughter, she's exhibiting extreme signs of emotional distress. She's expressed that she no longer wants to visit her dad, and recently, she's been taken there forcefully, which has escalated her anxiety. She's also become withdrawn at school, and her confidence and self-esteem have noticeably decreased. All she expresses is her desire to be with me.
I'm deeply concerned about their well-being and would appreciate any guidance or support you can offer.
Thank you,
Ansa
Hi Catherine,
Thank you for reaching out and offering support. Yes, my children are 4 and 7 years old. Ever since they started their two-night stays with their other parent, I've noticed some significant changes in their behavior.
My son has started having nightmares and wakes up crying. He refuses to share what's troubling him when I ask. Now from past 2 weeks he stopped.
As for my daughter, she's exhibiting extreme signs of emotional distress. She's expressed that she no longer wants to visit her dad, and recently, she's been taken there forcefully, which has escalated her anxiety. She's also become withdrawn at school, and her confidence and self-esteem have noticeably decreased. All she expresses is her desire to be with me.
I'm deeply concerned about their well-being and would appreciate any guidance or support you can offer.
Thank you,
Ansa
Hi Ansa
Thanks for coming back to us and sharing some more. I can hear how worried you are about them so I wonder if it might be worth having a chat to school to see if they might be able to offer some support? Some schools may have access to supports such as play therapy. Alternatively, you might like to have a chat to your GP or health visitor. They may also be able to signpost you to local supports. In the meantime, you might like to have a look at some of the supports on the NSPCC website : Support for parents | NSPCC
We are here to listen if you would like to chat some more
Catherine
Hi Ansa
Thanks for coming back to us and sharing some more. I can hear how worried you are about them so I wonder if it might be worth having a chat to school to see if they might be able to offer some support? Some schools may have access to supports such as play therapy. Alternatively, you might like to have a chat to your GP or health visitor. They may also be able to signpost you to local supports. In the meantime, you might like to have a look at some of the supports on the NSPCC website : Support for parents | NSPCC
We are here to listen if you would like to chat some more
Catherine
Hi Catherine,
Thank you for your support aare and suggestions. I've spoken to the school, and the headteacher expressed concern about something and will be referring us to early help. They've attempted to talk to her in school, but she hasn't opened up. Her confidence levels seem to have dropped. I'll check out the resources on the NSPCC website and consider reaching out to our GP or health visitor for additional support.
I appreciate your offer to listen and the guidance you've provided.
Best regards,
Ansa
