How To Explain To Kids About Unresponsive Parents?

Deadbeat parents are those who refuse or avoid paying court-ordered child support to their children, often due to abuse and substance abuse. They are often referred to as absentee parents, and it is crucial for parents to respect their role in their child’s life and avoid badmouthing them. It is essential to talk directly with the other parent, explaining how their actions impact the child, and finding ways to resolve the problem.

As a 9-year-old, it is important to prepare for the inevitable disappointment of a deadbeat parent. Saying sorry for being a bad parent is important for teaching children how to apologize to others and not to tell them they owe you because you feed and care for them. Deadbeat parents are not interested in helping raise the child and may avoid providing necessary support.

To talk to a child aged 4-8, create a safe space for discussion, share information about the other parent, and be honest. Keep the answer about the child and the parent and the relationship they may have had, and don’t lie to them. If it doesn’t matter to you where the parent is, keep as neutral as possible.

Teaching children how to deal with their feelings is an important part of explaining an absent parent to them. Reassure them and let them know that an “absent parent” deeply wounds the emotional wellbeing of a child. By doing so, parents can help their children cope with the challenges of dealing with absent parents and ensure their children’s well-being.


📹 How to talk to kids about Deadbeat Dads

They say there’s a thin line between love and hate.. and now I kinda get what that means. The thing is though, that’s not the child’s …


Should I keep my baby if the father doesn’t want it?

Avoid pressure from your baby’s father to get an abortion, as it is a permanent decision that may be regrettable. As a single parent, consider your financial and emotional capabilities. Support services like WIC and Medicaid can help ease the financial strain of being a single parent, as many single pregnant moms receive aid from these services but struggle to cover the high cost of childcare. Remember that you have options and must decide what is best for you and your baby. Remember, this is your future, and only you can decide what is best for you and your baby.

How do you describe a deadbeat dad?

In American English, a deadbeat dad is a father who neglects his parental responsibilities, particularly the payment of child support to his estranged wife.

How do you describe a child without parents?

An orphan is a child whose parents have died, and can also be referred to as orphaned. The translations for this text include English in various languages, including Chinese (Simplified), Dutch, French, German, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, Norwegian, Polish, Portuguese, Spanish, Swedish, Arabic, Bangla, Catalan, Czech, Danish, Gujarati, Hindi, Korean, Marathi, Russian, Tamil, Telugu, Thai, Turkish, Ukrainian, Urdu, and Vietnamese.

How to calm a child who misses their mom?

To manage separation anxiety in a child, it’s important to distract them from the thought of missing their family and answer their questions in a straightforward manner. Remind them that this phase will pass, and that separation anxiety may be worse for children who have never been cared for by anyone but you, are naturally shy, or have other stresses. Trust your instincts, as a child refusing to go to a specific babysitter or daycare center may indicate a problem with the childcare situation.

What happens to children with emotionally absent parents?

Emotionally unavailable parents can lead to unstable friendships, failed relationships, emotional neediness, inability to self-regulate, and identity confusion. This neglect can create core wounding and developmental trauma, which can have long-term effects if not addressed. Long-term effects of being raised by emotionally unavailable parents include rigidity, low-stress tolerance, emotional instability with aggression, poor boundaries, unstable relationships, and attention-seeking. This deficit of care can create dysfunctional patterns of thinking, which can seed mental health issues and an inability to relate to others later in adulthood.

How do you tell a child you are not their father?
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How do you tell a child you are not their father?

When discussing a child’s stepfamily, it is best to share the information at a young age to avoid drama and maintain a comfortable atmosphere. Avoid keeping the information secret to avoid feelings of guilt and shame. The way you explain the information will depend on the family’s communication style. Positive and open language can create a comfortable atmosphere for young children.

Creating a context for telling can be helpful, such as creating a scrapbook that outlines the family, life, work, children, and current partner. Your child can help create the scrapbook and gather information about their other biological parent. There is no right or wrong way to tell, and explaining is an ongoing process rather than a one-off event. Each person’s style will be different, so it is essential to find a suitable approach for your child.

Should I tell my son who his real father is?

The author, Amy, has been married to her husband for 52 years and has a son who was born from an affair. The author’s husband was away during a military tour, and the father of the son was younger than the author. The author wanted a divorce, but the husband fought for their relationship. The father of the son died in a car accident when the son was 2 years old, and the author and her husband never told the son that their husband is not his biological father. The author believes that the family should know the truth about their son’s biological parentage.

How do you explain to a child about not having a father?
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How do you explain to a child about not having a father?

When a child asks about their absent parent, it’s important to provide simple answers to comfort them without causing confusion. It’s crucial to avoid speaking negatively about other parents and validate their feelings. As they grow older, you can provide a more in-depth explanation, such as saying, “I don’t know where they are, but I’m here for you”.

When a child starts to blame themselves for their parent’s absence, it’s essential to let them know that it’s not their fault. This will help them feel responsible for how things worked out and prevent them from feeling responsible for their situation. Be realistic and allow your child to express their feelings without being overly emotional. By doing so, you can help them understand and cope with their parent’s absence.

How to explain absent parent to child?
(Image Source: Pixabay.com)

How to explain absent parent to child?

In this text, the author shares their experience of dealing with an absent father and how to talk to their child about it. They emphasize the importance of not speaking negatively about the other parent and valuing their feelings. They also remind the child that they are not the one keeping the father away from them and that they will eventually regret this decision.

The author suggests that people make choices every day, and while they love their children, they may make bad choices in not spending time with them. They encourage the child to know that their father loves them but is making bad choices in not spending time with them. They also emphasize the importance of patience and forgiveness, and that any feelings they have about this are valid.

The author shares their own experience of a sudden separation from their father, which led to a toxic and scary relationship. They left the door open for visitation, but the father only visits for 30 minutes to 1. 5 hours per week. Recently, the father refused to pick up the kids from their parents’ farmhouse due to discomfort. The author’s office is now set up there to work while the mother watches the kids, and everyone is polite to him when he arrives.

One instance where the author’s mom made a comment about the lateness of the father was when he finally showed up at 9:15. The author would have never ventured to say so much, and they stayed hidden in the office to avoid showing him some of their irritation.

In conclusion, the author emphasizes the importance of open dialogue and seeking help from a therapist or school counselor to help the child process their emotions in a neutral environment.

How do you comfort a child who misses an absent mother?
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How do you comfort a child who misses an absent mother?

The text suggests several strategies to help a child deal with an absent parent. It suggests suppressing negative thinking, expressing blessings, being informative, and intervening for the child. The author shares a story of a son who has formed a close friendship with a boy who lives down the street from them. The father is a single father who lost his wife when his children were under two years old. The boy’s children have never met their mother, and they believe she died.

The author explains that the boy needs a good friendship as it is difficult for him to not have his mother. The son expresses that living without his father is as hard as losing a mother to death. This intensity brings the author closer to the reality their son is living with, as living without his father often feels like he isn’t around at all.

What to say when your child misses the other parent?
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What to say when your child misses the other parent?

During the transition of a child to another parent, it is important to avoid discussing the sadness and guilt that comes with leaving. Instead, encourage your child to enjoy time with the other parent sincerely, expressing your hope that they will have a great time with their new parent. Offer extra hugs and kisses, and gently help your child leave by speaking calmly and professionally, sharing information, walking your child to the door or car, and waving goodbye with a smile on your face. If you have more questions about managing difficult parenting time transitions, contact your law office.


📹 Children’s Psychology : How to Deal With a Dead-Beat Dad

The best way to deal with a dead-beat dad is to be gentle but realistic with the children so they do not develop conflicting emotions …


How To Explain To Kids About Unresponsive Parents
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Rae Fairbanks Mosher

I’m a mother, teacher, and writer who has found immense joy in the journey of motherhood. Through my blog, I share my experiences, lessons, and reflections on balancing life as a parent and a professional. My passion for teaching extends beyond the classroom as I write about the challenges and blessings of raising children. Join me as I explore the beautiful chaos of motherhood and share insights that inspire and uplift.

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32 comments

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  • I have a dead beat father for my daughter. He has never denied my daughter and never said anything bad to me. we have talked when she was 3 and even tried to make a relationship work. but once again he left without notice and I didnt hear from him until my daughter was 5 he stuck around and even tried to give me money. he bought her things each week and I thought it was going great. he asked to see her and I was weary due to his track record. He was fine with it and then he got a gf when I didnt want to be with him. this gf talked about me and my daughter on FB but I never met but but she knew all about me. I have yet to speak to him nor do I care to. my daughter just celebrated her 12th bday and she no longer asks about him. we are in the process of having her legally adopted by my husband who has been raising her for over 6 years.

  • I married my wife 6 years ago we have two beautiful daughters since one seven one five. I met my oldest daughter after three months of dating my wife. I fell in love with her. we delt with occasional i want to see my daughter stuff for a while but he was violent to my wife the short time they were together. everytime we tried to brifng her to visit him it was always problematic and drugs were usually around. one time he was living with a convicted sex offender who raped a three year old girl, the list goes on with this guy. we were married and never took him for child support because we were able to decide when visits could happen or not. my eldest daughter heard him call her a fat spoiled little brat, to my wife, when we took her to see him and her other two sisters she rarely sees. she was six at the time and said she doesn’t want to see him anymore. he only calls to see her on his birthday and father’s day anyway. so for six years now my wife and i have raised her and our other daughter together as a happy family. she rarely speaks of him and is a happy kid. she has been upset lately because we can’t change her name because we would have to go through visitation stuff and all that with the court. and we aren’t having her in hus toxic environment. she calls herself by my last name, though at school she can’t do that. kids are starting to ask her if her and her sister have two different dads and it hurts her she said i do but tony is my dad. which makes me proud. I have never made her and her sister any thing but on the same playing field.

  • my mother never bashed my dad . She let me make my own decision when it came to him . She made up for what he lacked so I could be smart and strong enough to grow regardless . She in turn resented me as I got older but at least I felt loved sometimes . I kinda wish she would have just kept him away from me once she realized he sucked .

  • Rolls reversed for a quick second, but let’s say your the father of a woman who lied about being on birth control (this happens A LOT, especially for men who date women in their mid-late 30’s) just so she could get pregnant and have a baby. Does this then, make the man a “father”?? Adding to this terribly selfish and evil way to bring life into the world, how would the “father” explain to the child that he chose not to help raise him or her because he did not trust their mother, not just for lying about VERY important things, but because the mother was dangerous and made the “father” out to be abusive when he really wasn’t so she could have total control and full custody of the child?? Or even worse, that the mother forced the “father” in a court of law, saying he was physically and/or sexually abusive toward her and/or the child?? And doing this, all because the mother wants the “father” to be their spouse, wants more money, etc??? How do explain these scenarios to a child?? These are questions I ask on behalf of the many men who unfortunately experience and live out this evil and very selfish non-sense.

  • i started telling my daughter the truth when he kept hurting her and breaking her heart year after year. It breaks my heart when she hurts for him. I fasted and prayed about this and God revealed to me that I should just give my daughter all the love in the world and he will do the rest. He will fill the void. He will heal her heart. I cut him off completely when he only called her once or twice a year and promised to visit…got her hopes up and never showed up. Nothing is more painful than seeing her hurt for him. I am still going through the process of forgiving him. Its hard. But its necessary. This is the only way I can truly give my daughter a great life without bitterness and anger when she asks for him. Hes a narcissist…sees nothing wrong with his actions and blames our break up for his absence. If I could go back in time…I would still have my daughter..but he would definitely not be a human being that she would have any type of relation too. I will keep taking care of my princess and praying over her. She will be ok!

  • My EX Narcissist always causes problems with my now grown kids & then he plays the victim, I’ve never kept them from him & always tried to shelter them from the abuse he would cause. It’s exhausting. Narcissist are the worst, the damage they do to the whole Family unit all based on what’s good for them is disturbing.

  • I am in a tough space, my son has ASD – and his dad has not contributed to his needs at all. He vanishes and then months later comes back and forth to see him if he doesn’t cancel. Never mind the money as zero contribution, Its just getting harder to explain or to keep changing the subject – i work my way out of answering some questions. One positive is that a couple of years ago i met someone great that does fatherly things and is there for him. I don’t want my son to suffer but i have a special needs child and when he brings anything up, i do tell my son i love him so much and we are thankful for the angels in our lives. Even though i do struggle, i do not bash or say anything about his dad in the negative to him either. I don’t know if anyone can relate but, parenting is about doing the best you can in circumstances that may get harder.

  • I fanally found you, you gave me advice when I was a minor, you opened my mind to the fact that sometimes your bullies aren’t at school, but at home. I now am of age and so are my siblings. Your advice helped us a lot i told them what you said and I am now seeking again help to digest the fact that our father just doesn’t want us. Thanks for existing.

  • My question is how to overcome the psychological traumas that a dead beats dad does to his son? I’m a single mother and I know that the father’s presence is very important to the wellbeing and good upbringing of his child. And my son’s pediatric told me not to say bad things about the father to his child because this can impact him and lower his self esteem. So how to overcome this situation?

  • Thank you so much for this! I grew up with my mom and “stepdad” who has been my father since I was 2. My mother passed away when I was 32 a year ago and since then sperm donor pops up trying to spin his own story. I didn’t know what to feel. I was already angry at him for his message to me on my 18th birthday, but I see it now as a last ditch effort. I try not to be angry but I hope someone knows how I feel ❤

  • I’m a single mother and was told since I was 20 that I should’ve kept my legs close. I was basically villianized, fast forward 13 years later and almost every black women is a single mom. Regardless if she’s ugly, cute, tall, short, bad attitude or nice she’s most likely a single mom and the father refused in most cases to marry the women and pays almost nothing for child support. I use to feel somehow nasty or unworthy. Now at 34 I realized much of what’s going on was presented in the bible that (black) fathers will be absent for a host of crazy reasons and women will have to basically hold it down to the best of their ability. Even if you are a mature church going women who kept her legs close until married and did her homework on her man she would eventually in most cases be single or the breadwinner it’s biblical.

  • I’ve been wondering how I can explain to my son when older. I predicted his father being a poor parent a bit before birth and was proven right. And I know the novelty of a new child is wearing off. It’s good to be prepared so thanks you for posting. If there’s a vid about dealing with fathers trying to get at you through your child please let me know

  • To be honest. I don’t feel sorry for deadbeat fathers. My father is a deadbeat. My father is a alcoholic and degenerate gambler. Some times my father paid chid support. I was only worth 73 dollars in child support. At first it was 25 dollars in child support. My father took care of other people’s children, however, can’t take care of his own. When my mother and I used to ask my father for help. My father used to get angry at us. Although. When other people ask him for help. He’s happy to help them. My father step-children and their mother used to make fun of my mother and I because my father liked them more than my mother and I. Now. My father hated me because I reminded him of my mother. My father used to make fun of my mother and I. My father lost every. My father lost his house and job. The people my father once helped. They all abandoned him. The children he raised. They all left him because the money dried up. Now. My father is still a drunk and he literally lost his mind. He’s on mental illness medicine. I don’t feel sorry for him. God. Took everything away from him, including his mind. He’s just a mentally ill alcoholic now. Leaving in a very small apartment, working at a low paying job. Karma is a b1tch and she bite back hard. 💯✨️.

  • my mother tried her best to still tell us good things about my dad, even though he cheated on her with two different people and is now married to the second one it’s not her fault we hate him now it’s his fault before my brother graduated two years ago, it had been over seven fucking years since i had seen my dad i’m sixteen now, and i’m done with him if he wants to see us, he can visit us himself except he hasn’t done that since graduation, and before that, he stopped when i was like a baby the other times i saw him was when my mother brought us over to see him technically they have shared custody not like my father does anything with that anyway he texted my brother and i today saying stuff like “happy thanksgiving” and “i miss you” and “i love you” if you did miss and love us, you’d visit us once in a while i’ve had so many performances and so many first times for everything that you’ve missed i’ve learned to do so many things from my mother, and she’s all i need i don’t need you i don’t love you i care about you as much i as i care about a distant relative i don’t see basically ever you’re not my dad my mother was both roles fuck you dad

  • My dad was around but he wasnt a good dad, he never taught me a thing. I grew up seen as a dumbass who doesnt know a thing and have no skills, my mom tried her best to teach me but she can only teach me what she knows which were doing chores and obeying. Because my dad wasnt helping out much around the house, my mom doesnt have a lot of time to teach me and my brothers whats right and wrong, we learned mostly from strangers and perusal people. Long story short, i learned from experience sometime you have to do things on your own and to do so you would have to be willing to learn and not wait on anyone to help you, not even your own family. Sometime you need to become the one helping your family.

  • @QueenAmaal its a catch 22, and moms cant catch a break i have learned. damnded if you do or dont it seems. i know the day to day events are not as glamorous as an unexpected phone call or appearance from him. i do not speak of him or say his name. i dont have the energy or time to hold him to the line. thanks again for your kind words of understanding. i will continue to pray.

  • @QueenAmaal Thank you for responding. its a tough situation, and he will not seek counsel. i know i cant change him, and he has to want to change his behavior. i am tired of the lies, ignorance, disrespect, and houdini acts. we dont deserve to be treated this way, because he cant cope with life. Bitter much? i am moving on.

  • As difficult and heartbreaking this type of experience can be, it doesn’t have to be damaging if you adjust the perception.. I believe in being supportive and respectful of the parent at all times,, because the way you treat your partner or ex is the way your child will grow up thinking they should be treating their partners or should be treated.. i also believe in full accountability of mistakes and weaknesses.. because no failure is final unless you choose it.. they are simply learming experiences as you grow and learn.. someone else’s downfall should not be perceived as an insult towards you.. it is their downfall.. their mistake.. their weakness.. not yours. So dont try to figure out how you could change things to prevent it.. or carry the burden for them.. it’s their lesson to learn.. its not meant to be personal. It is okay to feel hurt,, but don’t assume the blame.. it’s okay to feel neglected, but dont assume worthlessness. It’s okay to feel ignored.. but don’t mistake that for unwanted.. its important to teach a child emotional intelligence so they can make thus distinction in their minds.. often a false emotional trauma is acquired simply due to lack if proper vocabulary to explain the real emotion. And then the false one is repeated so much in our memories of the situation that it becomes the real one eventually and the actual original one is never even recognized. I feel like situations with “deadbeat” parents are divine lessons. It’s the perfect opportunity to teach your child how to not judge others out of fear or dislike.

  • I need help I have a father that is in and out of my life but seems to ignore I’m alive sometimes he barley takes me but I always stood up for him I’m just realizing I’m a fool for what I’ve said to back him up in the past I need help coming to terms I have super irritation issues and I lash out it hurts for me to come to realizing what has been happening but I still want a relationship with him

  • “Dead Beat Dads, Dead Beat Moms” – What’s the difference? If one, or the other (or even sometimes both) don’t want to be bothered, there’s nothing you can do to make them accept responsibility, not to mention accountability! Jail, garnishment, whatever… They’ll find a way out of it and then make sure they disappear!

  • I am becoming an absent dad ! My ex of 17 years split up with me 3 months ! I am hurting so bad, HVNT SEN MY 13 year old son for a month now ! I am a complete train wreck and don’t want to see him until I am mentally good ! He is the apple of my eye, and no one I will ove as much as him ! I am so fuxked up !

  • It took us going to court a year after our son was born for the courts to order him that actually financially help with our son. The judge ordered that he can see our son every week and guess what he doesn’t come every week times where he hasn’t come for four weeks, multiple times he hasn’t come for a month. Just because somebody’s paying child support doesn’t mean they’re a good parent.

  • This the most backward shit i have ever heard about not alienated the child from a deadbeat who will emotionally abused their kids by not being consistent with visitation and spending time with the kids. I’d rather not see my child get emotionally abused. And why not bad mouth a deadbeat? You’re a male thats why you’re telling people not to bad mouth deadbeats. Bad mouth them is the best revenge so the child will know what type of piece of shit the deadbeat is and to stay away and completely erase the deadbeat out of their thoughts and life. I’d make my kids hate their deadbeat every chance I get. And to keep reminding them never to love whoever abandoned them and they have every right to hate the deadbeat!

  • @lilxbwnsuga Its a way to avoid failing to give them what he didnt have, he feels inadequate and not qualified by experience to father them instead of doing what come naturally (doesnt need prior experience or learning) feed them or provide materialistic element. he needs to get therapy and it might be useful if you join him too to build a bridge… my heart goes out to you and your kids..good luck and hang on.

  • I need advice. I’m a single mom. My teenage son never had his father in his life. Just a few times when he was very young. My son recently reached out to him to talk. They had a conversation. In the meantime, he hasn’t paid any child support over the years. He owes thousands of dollars. How do I allow my son to have a relationship with him, but also take him to court for child support. It’s been a tough journey doing everything by myself all my son’s life! How do I handle this?

  • @lilxbwnsuga I am sorry to hear this, I guess you have grown and matured in this relationship and he didnt, if moving on is the only way out at the moment please remain open minded and hold as minimum grudges and despise for him as possible so that ur kids dont turn around one day and say its ur fault, You are such a strong woman to decide this and i respect u loads.

  • I’ve never lied to my kids in regards to him I don’t sugarcoat most things I tell it like it is he would rather get high and live his life with his 30+ year younger gf who has no abandoned 3 of her kids 2 of them my kids half siblings so their perfect for each other they need to just stay away from us im done I was looking for advice on to how to deal with him but yeah no I’m just done btw he’s up to 8 kids now he hasn’t raised the oldest just got married she’s 21 the youngest is 3 days old

  • I always wanting my child to have a connection with their dad but their dad dont pay any child support nor making a constant effort to see them or giving them any support, time, bond, financially and physically. But people always telling me children need to be with their dad. What should i do when i know also that hid not even capable of looking after them like i do? He bring gf around and not into more focus of spending time with our child. My child sees them what theyre doing, and they just partying and drinking. Kids sleep very late or till my child just got tired and goes sleep by it self. Or else couldnt stand the crying, or spending that long with them. No patience. Thats why sometimes i dont know if im being selfish of not letting him see anymore our kids or should i still kept doing letting him do thay with them? Im confused whats the best thing to do. I dont wanna be called or everyone think im bad mom when thats the truth and reality? What should i do?

  • 20(F) now, bio dad never paid child support + cut relationship when I called his drinking and driving out at 14 (he was insulted, I was devastated didn’t care to try). Now I want to have my step dad adopt me (mother n him vowed to never marry again after divorce) but I don’t want to reach out to bio dad for consent. FML lmfao wish me luck

  • My childrens father lives with me in a separate room and has gave me a dime for anything in 10 years ! He sits there and eats my childrens our childrens food and run the washer 24/7 and doesn’t give me a dime for water or electricity or gas or rent ! I don’t want the kids to be mad at me when I force him out because he won’t leave. He can go to his parents mine are dead ! He just keeps me broke and alone !

  • My twin step-daughter’s 10th birthday was this week and their dad told them he’d call on their birthday and then pick them up over the weekend to go to six flags. He didn’t call and then cancelled the trip to six flags 20 minutes before they were to leave to meet him, so now his father is taking them instead. They are absolutely devastated. He is unemployed and rented a bedroom in God knows where with his tranny girlfriend who keeps trying to groom them while they’re there. He hasn’t paid child support in over a year and he misses almost every one of his weekends with them. He’s gained fifty pounds and all of his hair is falling out from what he calls “stress”. I’ve decided to cut him out of their lives and raise them as my own. It’s even worse that despite how hurt they are, they said they’d gladly start calling me Dad. I’m so broken by the idea that someone could just abandon their children because they’d rather sleep all day and get pegged all night instead of raising their children. I’m so disgusted.

  • How about we just speak the Truth and stop make-believing that children are dumb, deaf or blind? I will not Lie to a child. Shame on all those Fathers who put the mother in that position. We coddle men enough as it is in society. To then LIE on their behalf is ENABLING their behavior. This nonsense needs to STOP. Honesty is the best policy and this rule also applies in the case of Children. They have every right to know the Truth.

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