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How to keep parental gatekeeping from causing visitation issues

On Behalf of | Aug 22, 2014 | Uncategorized

Sometimes resentments remain between two people well after they have gone through the process of a divorce. But, the children of divorced couples should never be placed in the middle of an emotional battle between their parents.

Parental gatekeeping occurs when one parent attempts to regulate the other parent’s involvement in a child’s life. Gatekeeping can be used in a positive or protective manner. However, it can also be a way that one parent may severely undercut the other parent’s relationship with their child by interfering with visitation or other forms of communication.

No matter how much hostility is held between parents, it is simply unfair and unhealthy for one parent to try to alienate a child from the other parent. As such, there are some things that should be kept in mind when working out the level of participation a non-custodial parent can have in the life of their child.

First, the non-custodial parent should not be the target of derogatory remarks. Remember that the child has an emotional bond with that parent, even if they are not always physically present.

Visitations should not be made difficult. If there is too much interference, the non-custodial parent may get discouraged to the point of not wanting to invest emotionally or financially in the child.

It is important to reach amicable terms regarding a non-custodial parent’s access to a child. The non-custodial parent should have regular communication with the child. If the lines of communication are kept open, the non-custodial parent can have the opportunity to function as an actual part of the child’s life.

It is much better for the child when parents cooperate, but this does not always happen. Sometimes non-custodial parents are kept from having contact with their child in violation of child custody agreements.

If you are not being granted the visitation that was agreed upon, a Texas child custody attorney may be able to represent your interests in having your rights upheld.

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