Tips for Supervised Visitation

 

 

 

Non-Custodial Parent

Being with your children in the presence of someone else may be uncomfortable for you, at least in the beginning. You probably have many questions and concerns, and that is perfectly understandable. During tough times, you may want to talk to a mental health professional or find a support group to help you with your feelings. Do your best to focus on your relationship with your children. Your patience and commitment are important during this time.

 

Here are some suggestions that might be helpful to you:

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• Read the court order.

• Arrive and depart on time.

• Avoid discussing the court case or terms of the visit with your children.

• Avoid quizzing your children about the other parent’s activities and relationships.

• Avoid making your children messengers to the other parent.

• Say brief and positive good-byes to your children when the visit is over.

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Custodial Parent

Supervised visitation can also be a challenge for you. Typically, you have been taking care of your children’s everyday needs and have a routine for yourself and your family. Supervised visitation can sometimes feel like one more responsibility. Of course, you also have concerns, and questions about the visits and how they will affect your children. This is understandable in difficult times, you may also want to talk to a mental health professional or find a support group
where you can talk about your feelings.

 

Here are a few suggestions that might help you in the process:

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• Read the court order.

• Explain to your children where and when the visits will take place.

• Have your children ready with anything they will need during the visits.

• Arrive on time to drop off and pick up your children.

• Reassure your children that you support them in having a pleasant visit.

• Avoid quizzing your children about the visit.

• Avoid making your children messengers to the other parent.

• Supervised visitation can be difficult and uncomfortable at times. Often there are hurt and

       angry feelings toward the other parent. It may also seem impossible to have a positive
       attitude about supervised visitation. Remember that both of you care about your children
       and that children benefit from having two parents in their lives whenever possible.

Tips for both Parents

Supervised visitation can be difficult and uncomfortable at times. Often there are hurt and angry feelings toward the other parent. It may also seem impossible to have a positive attitude about supervised visitation. Remember that both of you care about your children and that children benefit from having two parents in their lives whenever possible.