I have 2 children both with special needs (aspergers/adhd/odd). Im a single mum and been sole carer for past 2 years. Their dad has seen them less than 20 days in this time frame. He is proposing to have them for a block period in the upcoming christmas holidays. His time has only been for 2 consecuitve nights which has only recently been consistent.
Since he told them he would be having them for this block time the children are showing signs of anxiety. My eldest has anxiety issues and is having major meltdowns requesting i walk with him in the house everywhere he goes and youngest is regressed in bed wetting.
Child safety have been involved and recorded he has emotionally and psychologically harmed the children in the past. They recommended that his time must be supervised. There are no orders or parenting plans in place. I dont feel my children will cope with this length of time away from me. Has anyone been in similar situation and have any recommendations?
5 Replies
Don't send them. Tell him to get a plan if he wants more than the current setup.you should get a plan anyway so you can always get them back. And you don't have to send them until that's in place.
He’s abusive, why would you consider it?
Child safety wouldn’t recommend that for nothing.
Your child is wetting themselves at the thought of it, why is this even a question?
I don't get it. If he's that bad why didn't they put it through court? Did they just decide he's been abusive then said he should have supervised access then walked away? Sounds odd. What's the difference between him having them for 2 nights or a longer time? What proof do you have that he is causing the anxiety? They both have conditions that cause anxiety about minor things and change, so why are you blaming their father for the anxiety? It could be school or a change at home that's causing this behaviour, anything. Go to mediation and get things started for a parenting plan.
I’m a special needs mum - I’d say no or not unless supervised. Go and get a plan done. My guess is he will bail when it gets hard (mind did). How old are the kids ? If they are over 13 they can decide for themselves - ring legal aid
The children are 11 and 9. The 9 yr old intellectually is about 4 year old.
A parenting plan has been drafted but i dont agree with it. I need to protect the children but know if the matter goes to court the father will probably get more time then hes requesting.