Mothering Sunday (March 22, 2020) can be difficult for parents who don’t live with or can’t be with their children. It’s also hard for youngsters who are unable to be with their parents.
For mothers, or any parent, not seeing or having contact with their offspring on any special occasion may be heart-breaking. It can also have a lasting detrimental impact on children.
It’s important to remember that not everyone will be having a good Mothering Sunday, despite the cards, chocolates, flowers and gifts and the images of the ‘perfect family’ portrayed on social media.
It can be a day of joy for families who are spending time together and making happy memories. For some parents, however, it may be a more difficult day if they are separated from their children.
Mother’s Day, like Christmas Day and birthdays, reinforces the heartbreak for those apart from their loved ones. It’s not just parents who may be suffering. It is also important to consider the impact on the child who has an absent parent.
They may be feeling insecure and have issues related to their behaviour and development. Also, experiences of loss in a child’s life can affect how they deal with relationships in the future.
Putting children first on Mothering Sunday
It’s easy to think about how you feel as the parent. However, we advocate, even on Mothering Sunday, that it’s the children who should be put first when it comes to their care, if you’re parting company from your co-parent.
After divorce or separation, you may be in a situation where you’re not seeing your child, or you might be having difficulties in making arrangements with your ex-partner over access/contact.
Situations where a parent is having no contact with their child or children are some of the most difficult to resolve. If you’re the parent not seeing your child, it’s really important that you get in touch for legal advice as soon as possible. The longer it goes on, the harder it can be to reinstate your relationship with your child.