It’s normal to miss the parent you’re not with. Missing them means you love them.
You can call, text, or draw them something. Ask the parent you’re with to help.
Going back and forth means you’re almost always missing someone. You might miss your mom at your dad’s place, then miss your dad at your mom’s. Some kids feel guilty about missing one parent in front of the other. You shouldn’t have to hide it.
It can help to have a plan for staying close between visits: a regular call, a shared playlist, a game you play online together, a photo on your wall.
Missing can be extra strong at bedtime, on holidays, or after something big happens and you want to tell them.
Things that might help
- Ask for a regular call or video time with the parent you’re away from.
- Start a shared thing: a playlist, a show you both watch, a game, a book you both read.
- Write down what you want to tell them so you remember when you see them.
- Keep a photo or something of theirs at each home.
If you want to say it out loud
Not sure how to start? You could try:
“I miss Dad (or Mom) a lot when I’m here. Can you help me call them sometimes?”
You could say it to a parent, a grandparent, a teacher, a counselor, or someone on a free help line.
Things to tell yourself
- Home can be two places. Both can be mine.
- Missing someone means I love them. That’s a good thing to have.
- I will feel okay again. Maybe not today, but I will.