In this week’s segment on parenting, a young child is facing challenges in adjusting to her father’s new girlfriend.
The mother shared with Moncrieff that her 10-year-old daughter is deeply upset about her father’s new relationship, unlike her 13-year-old sibling who seems to be coping better. The mother expressed concern, questioning whether her daughter’s emotional state could be akin to depression and seeking guidance on how to address the situation and help her daughter adapt to this change.
Child psychotherapist Joanna Fortune advised treating the daughter’s reaction as a form of grief, emphasizing the importance of empathy and allowing her the space to express her emotions. Joanna recommended acknowledging the daughter’s belief that her parents might reconcile, addressing this misconception gently and reassuring her that despite changes in their relationship, their love for her remains constant.
Furthermore, Joanna advised open communication between the parents to provide a supportive environment for the children, emphasizing the significance of co-parenting and maintaining a positive relationship for the well-being of the children involved.
For more insights on this topic and related parenting issues, you can listen to the full discussion here.