Hi All,
My ex husband and I had our final hearing last week (after a long, intense and costly year) where by a joint lives with order was issued. Our daughter will spend every other weekend with him (Friday afternoon to Monday morning), and one overnight stay midweek. (This is in addition to 50/50 split holidays). It is obviously a significant amount of time, and more than what I had expected, particularly as there will be approx 50mins travel time between us, however despite our differences and ongoing issues (we have high conflict and struggle to communicate), he is a good father and our daughter can only benefit from the contact and relationship with him.
My question is, on a personal level how do parents cope/deal with the significant time away from your child? Our daughter is only 2, and whilst I know I now have time to focus on myself, I miss her so much and now view myself as some kind of part time parent. I know some would love to have their partners involved, or for some kind of break, but I’m struggling with the time I miss out on, especially thinking about as she grows older/goes to school etc. I would appreciate any tips or advice, many thanks.