When you make a major mistake in your life, it is bad enough when the mistake only affects you. However, when your mistake also affects your child, and the courts decide that you’re not fit to see your child without a court-ordered supervised visitation, you may wish to do everything you can to show that you’re fit to be around your children.
Regardless of the emotions that such a court mandate might stir in you, it’s essential to handle supervised visitation in the right way so you can avoid feelings of abandonment in your child and maintain a healthy relationship.
Don’t Get Angry
With tensions riding high, you might feel tempted to yell while your child is present, yell at the supervisor or yell at the other parent.
By not keeping your emotions in check, you may create a bad impression, and you may also create a situation where it is more difficult to win custody of your child in the future. Instead, you should consider signing up for anger management classes or speaking with a therapist about your emotions.
You will need a place to express your feelings about your parental situation. In addition to a therapist, you will need to build a social support network that will allow you to blow off steam, so you do not to so when you’re with your child and the supervisor.
Have a Plan for Your Visit
Create a plan for your visit. You must have a plan that is fun for both you and your child. If the supervised visitation is held at your home, you should have toys, games, and other activities that you can have fun with. If you love a sport, visitation can be a great opportunity to share your love for the sport with your child.
Try to avoid activities where you passively consume a product. You’re not going to form a bond if you and your child are passively staring at a screen watching a movie. Even going out for ice cream is a better way to bond.
Always assume that the supervisor is taking notes and that he or she will be reporting back to the court. Even if the supervisor is not writing anything down, she might be taking a mental note.
Make a Good Impression on the Supervisor
Always arrive on time, clean, and well-dressed. Be polite and friendly. Be careful of what you say and also avoid telling jokes that could be misinterpreted. Never use any profanity at all.
Avoid saying anything negative about the other parent. Even if your child is complaining about mom, make sure to say something positive about her. This is beneficial to the child who may not like seeing his parents fight.
Have a Positive Outlook
When you are enthusiastic, your child will have a better time with you, and you’ll make a great impression on the supervisor. She will be more likely to recommend future unsupervised visits.
