Helping children through custody transitions

Transitions are where stress concentrates. Rushing, interrogating (“Did Mom say anything about me?”), or unloading adult sadness at the door teaches kids that switching homes is dangerous.

Try a visual calendar they can see. Pack a comfort object that travels. Keep the first thirty minutes low-demand: snack, show, quiet walk. Save hard conversations for settled moments.

If they cry at goodbye, that can be healthy attachment — not proof the other home is wrong. Name the feeling, promise the next reunion, and follow through.