What Do I Do???

[laundrymom]

4 1/2 yr old climbs on my lap this morning, looks at me with big brown eyes full of tears and says,.... My daddy moved to a partment. He took his jeans and jacket and his shampoo. Mommy shutted the door hard and cried. Then he buried his head in my chest and sobbed. For the longest time.

I told him not to worry, that I was here, that mom and dad both love him so much and that won't stop. My heart is broken for him.

[Christian Mother]

Ohhh!!! That is sooo sad. Poor little guy...kids are soooo observant aren't they?! The only thing you can do is just be there for the little guy in what ever form he needs you. As for his parents, I know it's hard to stay out of the situation specially if they feel very close to you and want to down load. Best to just let them both know together your thinking of them and know that there little guy is in the best of hands while they go through there tough times. How heart breaking!

[Cat Herder]

Did the DCM not give you a heads up

[Meyou]

Just love him and be there when he needs to talk.

I have a DCB here who tells me every day about what his mama and daddy were fighting about the night before. They've split once and reconcilled (sort of). It's heartbreaking. I just let him talk and answer his questions the best I can.

[Cat Herder]

There are several books you can use during storytime to help. Sometimes by our not being scared by it, they also feel less afraid. I go through this here about once every 4 years with my clients.

1. Standing on my own two feet. A childs affirmation of love in the midst of divorce.

2. Two homes.

3. It is not your fault Cocoa Bear.

4. Was it the chocolate pudding?

5. Dinosaurs divorce.

These are all picture books perfect for group storytime with kids ages 3-5.

[JaydensMommy]

I'm going through something similar today. I have a 3 yr old whos last day is today because mom is moving away. Mom and dad have separated and my heart is broken for this little boy. I will honestly miss him so much and I am so sad about the circumstances under which he is leaving. It was very sudden and unexpected. I am new at this and this is the first child that has left. Honestly I didn't realize how attached I would get to these kids. As I write this, I am also crying for this little boy. As for your little guy, just being there and giving them a stable environment, what more can we do..

[Unregistered]

Did the DCM not give you a heads up

Right?!?! Good grief that may have been important enough to mention to the person that cares for him all day?????? Ugh sometimes I think people should have to pass a test to have kids I swear.

[sharlan]

Right?!?! Good grief that may have been important enough to mention to the person that cares for him all day?????? Ugh sometimes I think people should have to pass a test to have kids I swear.

I frequently think that.

[DCMom]

That poor little guy I can't believe mom didn't give you a heads up!

I have a family whose mom has left them ~ dad is doing the best he can, but it's a struggle for them. They are 3 and 4 and can't even say the word 'mom' without tears welling up. It's heartbreaking.

I'm glad he has you.

[sharlan]

Give him lots of hugs and tell him that you're not going anywhere.

I'm going through something similar today. I have a 3 yr old whos last day is today because mom is moving away. Mom and dad have separated and my heart is broken for this little boy. I will honestly miss him so much and I am so sad about the circumstances under which he is leaving. It was very sudden and unexpected. I am new at this and this is the first child that has left. Honestly I didn't realize how attached I would get to these kids. As I write this, I am also crying for this little boy. As for your little guy, just being there and giving them a stable environment, what more can we do..

I lost my first family, 25 yrs ago because of divorce. I didn't know anything was going on until the dad stopped by on a Sun afternoon with the girls to say goodbye. Mom had moved out on Friday night, Dad put them on a plane sending them out of state on Sunday afternoon. He got full custody because she "abandoned" the kids by moving out.

[laundrymom]

I had NO IDEA,... my heart is breaking. I didn't mention it to her.

[sharlan]

She may not be ready to discuss it with anyone yet.

[2ndFamilyDC]

Oh wow, I cried just reading this. Poor little guy. At least he has you, which is some consistency.

[Cat Herder]

She may not be ready to discuss it with anyone yet.

Yeah, but IMHO with a 4.5 year old, she does not get that option.

The childs needs should come first.

[mema]

That is so sad. Poor babe. Just give lots of extra cuddles and lap time. Keep routine so that at least his day is consistant. Hopefully he will open up and talk to you so he can let out some of those emotions. (((hugs)))