2007-05-11 11:40:28 · 15 answers · asked by carlapk 1 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Parenting
I think you should tell the child a 3 year old version of the truth. "Daddy made a bad choice and is getting some help for it now. It's going to take a long time" When the child gets older, you can be more specific.
This child will need some empathy. "I know you miss daddy. I can tell you are really (sad, upset, angry, lonely)." This will help them to express their feelings. You also need to make certain that they know their dad really loves them and misses them.
This child should be allowed to communicate with his or her father as much as possible. They can write him letters or draw pictures, speak on the phone, and visit. Their father should write his children often. If you know when he will be released, you can mark that date on a calendar to his child has a better concept of how long it will be. Hope this helps.
2007-05-11 12:35:55 · answer #1 · answered by marnonyahoo 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I feel it depends on how long he will be gone and if the two of you are still a couple. Now just a note: I do not condone bad talking the other parent, no matter the issue. Also, I would not lie.
If he will be gone for just a short period of time I would say he had to leave for a wile but will be back as soon as he can. He loves you and is doing everything he can to get back home. If he ask specifics just tell him not to worry about those things just know he loves you and will be back as soon as he can.
If it is for a long period of time I would suggest saying something along the lines of: Daddy did something bad and had to make up for it. You can use the analogy of when he gets in trouble he has to pay the consequences and that is what Daddy is doing. That his Daddy dose love him and always will. (If that is the case)
I always tell my kids as little as possible but still be as honest as I can, along with assuring them that they are loved by both of us and that will not change.
Good luck!!
2007-05-11 13:26:36 · answer #2 · answered by Mother of 5 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I agree with Hal just say daddy messed up and he is away fixing it. Don't go into detail because depending on what the crime is he may find out someday this way you didn't lie, but a 3 year old wouldn't understand, then if he told an older kid? no telling what mess you might come up with. Good luck!!!
2007-05-11 12:27:04 · answer #3 · answered by Bains Gram 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Tell the child that daddy went on a business trip, or went to visit relatives
2007-05-11 11:45:04 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
you can say that he is on vacation if you need to lie. Or tell the truth and say that the childs father is in jail for something he did that was against the law. Either way your child will find out the truth eventually.
2007-05-11 11:43:57 · answer #5 · answered by Jackie 3 · 1⤊ 2⤋
Being a responsible parent u wouldn't tell u'r 3 yr old that! Just tell he/she daddy's gone on a little trip.
2007-05-11 11:45:49 · answer #6 · answered by α∂νєηтυяє ιѕ нєяє 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
nothing unless they ask. If they do ask, just mention that he is away due to an obligation of sorts and don't go further than that as you do not want to create a stigma in your childs mind towards their father.
2007-05-11 11:47:54 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
tell him daddy went away on a business trip
Sorry about what happened
2007-05-11 11:45:00 · answer #8 · answered by jbird 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
this is what i would say. daddy did something very naughty and the nice policeman took him away for a long time out i know someone who had this problem and this iswhat he told his daughter
2007-05-11 12:31:14 · answer #9 · answered by kleighs mommy 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Good question...I'd like to know how to explain to a four year old the same question!
2007-05-11 14:05:56 · answer #10 · answered by just little o me 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋