Q & A – How does a child feel when they cant see their parent?

When a child is unable to see one of their parents, it can lead to a range of emotional responses depending on their age, personality, and the reasons for the separation.

Young children who have a strong attachment to both parents may feel confused, scared, and anxious about the separation. They may not understand why they are not able to see their parent and may worry that they have done something wrong. They may also have difficulty expressing their feelings verbally, leading to changes in behavior such as clinginess, irritability, or regressive behavior such as bed-wetting.

Older children and adolescents may feel a range of emotions, including anger, resentment, and sadness. They may feel like they are missing out on important events or experiences with the absent parent, and may feel like they have lost a part of their identity or family history. They may also feel like they are being forced to choose sides between their parents, leading to feelings of guilt or loyalty conflicts.

In cases where the absence of a parent is due to parental alienation or other forms of manipulation, the child may also feel manipulated, confused, or pressured to take sides or believe negative things about the absent parent. This can lead to feelings of frustration, anger, and confusion about their relationships with both parents.

Overall, when a child is unable to see one of their parents, it can be a difficult and emotionally challenging experience that can lead to a range of negative emotional responses. It is important for both parents to recognize the impact of the separation on the child and to work together to minimize any negative effects and support the child’s emotional well-being.