Kid had a meltdown about going back to mom's house

5d ago·1 min read

My 6 year old cried for 20 minutes tonight saying she didn't want to go back. Her mom and I get along ok but this is making me want to fight for more custody even though I know that would cost money we don't have. She's happy at both houses normally so I don't think it's abuse or anything, just her being emotional about transitions. Anyone dealt with this and how did you handle it without making it worse?

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Comments(5)

AAntonioRegular3d ago

This hits different when you're doing co-parenting right and still get this reaction. Honestly sounds like she's processing the switch more than rejecting her mom. Maybe validate the feeling without trying to fix it? That 20 minute cry might be what she needs.

HHank C.Regular5d ago

Six year olds are rough with goodbyes. The crying sucks but try not to read too much into it yet. Have a honest talk with her mom first and see if there's something specific bothering her about the switch.

TThomasNew Dad5d ago

Those meltdowns are tough to hear, but they don't always mean she wants to stay longer. Sometimes kids just hate transitions no matter what. Before you go for custody changes, maybe ask her mom if anything's off or if it's just the adjustment part.

KKyleNew Dad4d ago

Man, that's tough. Even when things are cool between parents, kids still feel that transition anxiety. Have you tried doing something special right before handoff, like a little ritual? My daughter does better when we have a consistent goodbye routine.

KKyleNew Dad4d ago

Does she struggle with transitions in general or is it specifically the back and forth? My 6 year old used to do this and we found it helped to let her bring something from my place to mom's and vice versa. Gave her a little control over the transition.