How To Answer “Why Cant’ I Live With Dad”
Nothing can crush a mother’s heart like hearing the child wail, “why can’t I live with Dad?” Divorces or separation are mean and messy on their own, even if both parties can be civil and behave, it’s still a loss of life and a division of memories. Children don’t understand that, “you have grown in a different way” or that father did some really nasty things to the mother such as cheating, or worse. All children understand is that their lives are changing for ever and they have no say in it, they feel like a ship being tossed at sea, and the safe harbor; Mom and Dad, are no longer there for them.
If the Dad isn’t dangerous of violent but treated the mother poorly, it may be very tempting to make the word “Dad” into a four letter word to his children, but for their sake don’t. Explain to the children how it’s best for them and their lives to live where they are now, and to be with their Mommy who loves them and can protect them. What the children need right now is assurance that they are loved and will still see their father very soon.