Supporting Children During Contact

For many children, spending time with a parent who has used abusive or harmful behaviour can bring a mixture of emotions. They may feel excited, anxious, confused, guilty or worried, all at the same time.
As a parent or carer, you can support your child by:
  • Letting them know all feelings are okay.
  • Listening without judgement or asking leading questions.
  • Keeping routines as consistent as possible before and after contact.
  • Reassuring them that what happens between adults is never their responsibility.
  • Encouraging them to talk, draw or play about how they feel afterwards.
  • Watching for changes in behaviour, sleep or emotions that may suggest they need extra support.
  • Reminding them that they can always speak to a trusted adult.
Children should never feel responsible for protecting a parent or keeping secrets about things that make them feel unsafe.
If you’re worried about how contact is affecting your child, we can offer guidance or signpost you to appropriate support, just click here.
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