Hello!

What did you do when care arrangements of your only child (young teen) suddenly changed because they want to live with the other parent, and you are no longer the primary carer for your child you’ve cared for always?

I was hoping it was just a phase to spend time with the other parent because the other parent rarely chose any time with our teen, but months later the other parent is still the greatest person in the world.

How did you focus your life? What worked? What didn’t?


Want more real mum questions sent to you?

You'll need to check this email to complete your signup.
  • Cant help but wishing you all the best


  • Sorry, but only time will heal your grief and your final outcome. I do hope that you will still have a loving relationship with your child and one day you will look back on this and be happy it is over. Try to get on with your life and a hobby you have missed doing and have plenty of friends around you. It does help to have friends – and one other tip – never bad-mouth the other parent.


  • Speaking from experience as the child, make sure you don’t put your thoughts and feelings onto your child. Let them make their own decisions.
    For yourself find something that you’ve always loved doing and pursue that


  • Could also be a phase they are going through as they develop through their teen years. Sending lots of love to you!


  • This is such an emotional time. You really have to just keep a presence in their lives and when you have time together make it quality time. It is hard for the child too. They very likely miss you too but are trying something new. Keep yourself busy and try not to dwell on it.


  • I would recommend that you do as much as you can to remain present in their life – and use the free time to do something you enjoy (like a new hobby).


  • I can imagine this is painful for you. There’s not so much you can do as your is at the age they should decide for themself and when you don’t respect that, it will most likely have a negative impact. Also do understand that due to the fact that the other parent rarely chose to spent any time with your child, your child may have felt rejection and as kind of a coping mechanism, may have started to idolize this parent.
    At this point all you can do is respect your child’s choice, respect the other parent and show that you still are interested and love your child


  • You have to let them live with who they want I have been through this years ago and there is nothing you can do. My ex had never done anything with the child I did everything and it hurt but you have got to get on with your life and always let them know your there for them, it’s not worth getting sick over it and I know as be through mostly the mental effect.


  • This is painful and difficult. As a teenager, your child will have some say about where he lives- unless there are safety concerns it is unlikely you can stop this happening from a legal standpoint. Assuming your relationship remains solid, it can be survived. My teenage son has changed from not wanting to see his dad to spending increasing time with him, and I know his dad badmouths me because my son tells me. I can see changes in himwhere he is taking on more of his dad’s way of behaving, but I have to trust that by supporting this relationship and my son’s choices, I can maintain the relationship and be there when he needs me. I have the responsibility as his mum, I do not have rights over him as my son.


  • It’s so hard. My child at 14 decided to move with the other parent. I thought it was just to try and see, and was sure my child will be back soon. 4 years later I have lost all my contact with my child. But the other parent was always badmouthing me to my child and anyone else. I guess, if your relationship with the other parent is decent, you can give it a try. It gives you an opportunity to find a new hobby or study/get new qualifications to get better job. If you keep yourself busy, you won’t feel as lonely. Lots of hugs in this difficult time ????


  • That’s sounds very tough on you considering that the other parent hasn’t wanted to spend much tine with them… I think your teen will soon realise the grass isn’t greener on the other side.
    As for you it’s a good time to rediscover yourself, we can get so lost in motherhood don’t we.
    Dance classes, yoga, pottery, language classes… whatever will keep you busy, happy and benefit you


  • Pressed submit too quickly!
    At the end of the day, you’re still their parent and will be there for them no matter what which is what is important.


  • I’m so sorry to hear this, I’m sure it’s so heartbreaking.
    Unfortunately I don’t really have advice as I haven’t been through this but maybe you can just let them go and experience living with the other parent. If the other one really isn’t interested I’m sure your child will pick up on that and will want to come back.


Post your reply
Add a photo
Your MoM account


Lost your password?

Enter your email and a password below to post your answer and join MoM:

↥ Back to top

Thanks For Your Star Rating!

Would you like to add a written rating or just a star rating?

Write A Rating Just A Star Rating
Join