Parenting time denial occurs when one parent restricts or prevents the other parent from spending time with their child. This can have significant and lasting effects on children, parents and families as a whole.
Parents approaching divorce should review the effects of denied parenting time and the importance of ensuring children have access to both parents.
The impact on children
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that over 680,000 couples divorced in 2021. Many of these divorces affected children, and it is inevitable that some divorced parents fail to respect the terms of their parenting plan. For children, denied parenting time can lead to feelings of confusion, sadness and abandonment. Children may struggle to understand why they are unable to see one of their parents regularly, which can result in emotional distress and behavioral issues. Children who lose access to one of their parents may experience lower self-esteem, difficulties in forming healthy relationships and even long-term psychological effects such as depression and anxiety.
Furthermore, denied parenting time can also strain the parent-child relationship. When a child is not able to spend time with both parents, it can create a sense of distance and alienation between them. This can lead to feelings of resentment, anger and a breakdown in communication. Children may also feel like they are being forced to choose sides, which can create loyalty conflicts and further damage the parent-child bond.
The impact on parents and family members
For the parent who is being denied parenting time, the impact can be equally devastating. Being separated from their child can lead to feelings of helplessness, frustration and grief. Parents may experience a sense of loss and a deep longing to be in their child’s life. This can also affect their mental health and overall well-being, as they struggle to cope with becoming kept apart from their child.
From a family perspective, denied parenting time can have ripple effects that extend beyond the immediate family unit. Siblings, grandparents and other relatives may also become impacted by the absence of a parent in the child’s life. By supporting healthy co-parenting relationships and promoting the importance of both parents in a child’s life, people can help mitigate the negative impact of denied parenting time and foster positive outcomes for families.
