Is this normal

[beckys1985]

Hi, I'm hoping that someone will be able to give me some advice. My children's father and I separated over a year ago and we have had contact in place since our split. He has them every other weekend and every Wednesday night (overnight). The problem I'm having is whenever they come back from their dad's I have real problems with getting them to bed. This has never been an issue before and it is only ever the night they come home. To make things worse my youngest is really having problems at school the next day too with his behaviour. Their dad and I have discussed their routine at his house and each week they take things with them to make it feel more normal e.g certain teddies. Does anyone else have this problem when their lo's return from dads? If you do what have you done. I really don't want to stop the weekly Wednesday contact but as it's effecting school I'm contemplating if it's the right thing to do for now.

[trytosmile]

Hello,

How long have they been regularly staying at their dads for?
It does take a while for them to get used to the change. Have you made the school/ teachers aware of the situation so that they can keep an eye on them.
My dc used to be awful when they came home from their dads. Literally bouncing off the walls refusing to go to bed and then disobedient for the next few days. Then it was time for them to go back again. Xx

[Fourormore]

BertieBotts gives some great advice on this post

[beckys1985]

They've been staying there since we split. I felt it was really important for them to have regular contact with him. It's exhausting! We're going to try this week him having them on Wednesday and then bringing them home for bed to see if they behave better on Thursday at school and in the evening.