This is more hopefully AIBR re contact centre - advice pls xx

[Anonymous3286]

My DD is 5 and as of February just reconnected with her father. She’s seen him twice at a contact centre (self referred not court ordered as we just wanted somewhere mutual for them to reconnect) and it went really well they got on so well.. then lockdown happened & the contact center is suspended. I feel really bad on her father now he can’t see her after he finally wanted to be part of her life. He Like 2.5 hours away as well. Is anyone else in this boat? She’s FaceTimed on my phone few times but she’s only 5 so it’s difficult and they’ve sent little letters and pics back & forth.. but what else can I do? I don’t want this Lockdown to affect their relationship that has just begun. I would say he could see her at my house but I don’t think my current partner would like it tht much .. & I don’t Think it breaks lockdown rules I don’t know? He has only seen her twice There’s nowhere local for him to take her really either now. Any advice would be great .. what do I do? X

Sounds like its really up to you. I think the guidelines are that children can move between homes but I've not heard about the parents being inside each others homes. And I wouldn't want to start letting him in your home now as it may set a precedent for the future. The cards and calls sound good. And you can talk to your child about the parent and about their feelings, so they don't forget

It’s not an ideal situation I know (lol what part of lockdown is?) .. thing is he’s not violent or anything we don’t argue anymore.. in fact Wev been communicating a lot better since this lockdown .. it’s just the fact he’s only seen her twice .. she’s a very confident child .. but I can’t think of an alternative? It’s clearly going to be weeks or months til contact centres open and I don’t want to prevent her seeing her dad ... main reason I suggest contact Center to start with was cos it’s neutral for them to start seein each other again with the distance & the fact she didn’t know him.. but they actually get on really well he’s very good with her .. it’s not even like he can take her anywhere local either really ?🙈

What about her dads house? Could you stay with her while she’s there?

Outside in a park/similar halfway between where you both live?

No need for a contact centre if there are no real concerns about his ability to parent. Hes her father, build up the length if time but jet him choose what to do and where to go.

A bus terminus (as there is shelter) and sit and talk about where all the buses go to in an unused stance?