No one can prepare us for the trials and tribulations that come with being a parent. For some individuals, child custody is one such event that can be incredibly stressful and torturous. If you are a loved one on the outside looking in, it’s hard to know just how you can support this person and what options are available. Today we are going to discuss the many ways to guide your loved one through their child custody discussions so read on to equip yourself with the knowledge and considerations required of this complex issue.
Be a support person
Given that they are now opposing their partner who was once their key support person, your friend or family member might feel lonely in this battle. Being a support person during their meeting with the child custody lawyer, mediation and any other administrative duties will be a huge support to them. You can even make yourself more useful as a support person and take notes throughout these important meetings for your loved one to review at a later date when they have a clear head.
Discuss with them their options
It’s one thing to know what you want, but it is quite another to articulate it to someone else. Being a sounding board for your loved one will be incredibly valuable to them, as it gives them an opportunity to weigh up all child custody options available to them and the consequences and opportunities that exist with each. This is especially important if they have not discussed their child custody journey with other friends, family or coworkers. They will be more prepared and confident by putting their preferences into words prior to a hearing or settlement.
Look after the kids
Given that both caregivers are going to be busy at the same times throughout the child custody hearing, you might find that volunteering to babysit the child or children will be a huge support to your loved one. Knowing that the children are in safe and loving hands will allow for a clear head in the courtroom, without them having to be on call and take them out of legal negotiations and the progress being made. It might feel like a small gesture, but it will go a long way, especially for the children who will need a familiar and friendly face in these uncertain times.
Encourage a second opinion
Whenever we lock in on a big decision or life event, it’s common to get tunnel vision in our quest for a resolution. Your role as a supportive friend or family member could be to encourage a second opinion and allow them to explore alternatives in representation and even their chosen course of action. You can do this by recommending resources like books, blogs, podcasts and even an introduction to someone you may know who has also been through the process and come out on the other side.
Get them out of their head
This might seem like the easiest way to help, but it might actually be the most challenging, depending on how they are coping with the child custody process. Set yourself the task of taking your loved one out for a social event, a hotel escape and anything that is going to give them a reprieve from what is happening in their life. This is particularly important if the separation from their partner is relatively fresh, or if the child custody hearing is not going the way that they had wished it would.
~
Being there for those special to you is a selfless act and one that you will not regret. Follow this guide here and add any compassionate touches that you feel are appropriate, and don’t be shy to check in with them and ask them directly how you can support them further. They are navigating this period for the first time just as you are, so be open and honest with your approach to care.
Leave a Reply