Q. I have a stepdaughter who is four years old. Her real mother whom she visits on weekends is in and out of jail; she has 86 felonies. Each visit leaves the child distraught; she gets depressed and sinks into her shell.

A. Indeed, it is a difficult situation, though it usually happens with separated parents. In this case the child’s mom is in jail, which makes it worse. But even if the child is living with the mother and goes to meet the father he/she comes back depressed - sometimes belligerent and destructive or just in a bad mood.

Since you cannot do much about this difficult situation, you have to manage it properly so that it does not leave such an impact on your child.

First of all, give up the idea of any kind of therapy; it is not going to help. You, as an adult and parent can do much better.

There are essentially two different scenarios. The first is similar to our reader’s, in which the ‘other’ parent is, in some way ‘poisonous’. The second is when there is simply a difference of parenting styles between one home and the other. In this article I will just deal with the former.

This kind of parent is, among other things, unreliable. He promises to call or come, but doesn’t show up. This hurts the child deeply because he/she goes through a whole spectrum of feelings, from hope and excitement to disappointment and despair and even guilt.

Then, when they do go for a visit, they are often ignored, or merely have to fit in with the adult’s own (often inappropriate) plans. In other words, despite their protestations of how much they care, the child is clearly very low on their list of priorities.

Often too, it is not just the child who is caught up with the manipulations. Many times I have seen mothers changing their plans at the last minute to accommodate a sudden pronouncement from the other as to what they will, or won’t, do this weekend.

Some parents are so caught up in their emotions that they, intentionally or inadvertently, start using the child as a messenger for conveying unpleasant remarks about each other. This is damaging for the child. It gives him wrong ideas and he may develop an attitude to play one parent against the other for personal gains.

All children want to be loved and cared for. They can sense love and respond to it whole heartedly. But if one parent keeps saying nice things but behaves uncaringly then the child loses all sense of worth and belonging.

These kinds of parents are difficult to deal with even in the courts because they are experts in talking smoothly but their words are hollow. They don’t mean what they say. And, the court has to take the case at its face value.

If you find yourself in this situation, you need to take some strong and decisive action. But it won’t be easy.

First, explore the option of mediation or the courts. In such an extreme case the other parent should probably be denied access to the child. Of course, it will probably be more difficult to convince the courts.

If that option is not likely, then get a clear agreement regarding visits, including the date, time and duration etc. But, the problem is of the other parent not showing up despite the promises.

Once you know the broad framework of the weekly schedule, stick to it. Be firm and refuse any deviations from the agreed terms. Do not let the other parent change the times of the visits. If the other parent has agreed to pick up the child at a particular time, then wait only till then and follow your own plans thereon. There is no need to be available whenever he turns up at his convenience.

It’s important to record all these events; they will come in handy in court. Also, think of consulting a counselor to help you deal with the harmful effects of this on your child. And, they will testify these effects on the child in court.

In the meantime, continue to be as affirming, warm, positive and supportive for the times when she is with you. Do not make excuses for the other parent’s failures. But also do not go on about them either. Focus on making the times with you as secure and ‘normal’ as you can.

Remember, this is not a comfortable situation for both of you. If you feel none of this is working, think of moving to a different town or state, so that the problem of weekly visits is taken care of once and for all. This is the last resort and should be taken after cool consideration, lest you become the bad guy. Take some time to think of the situation. You may want to talk it over with a friend or counselor before you take such a step. Don’t let your prejudice against the other parent blur your reason. It happens to people; it may be happening to you. Make sure you are not over reacting.

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