Your child is watching....

Children are very much in tune with the moods of their parents. They frequently follow by example and this is particularly true in cases of separation, when a child is stressed and unsure how to feel.

The point is that your child is watching you and is likely to mimic your behaviour and your attitude towards the other parent. If you are hostile, the child, especially when very young, is likely to perceive that as the expected reaction. If you are cooperative with your spouse, the child is likely to "buy into" a schedule, for example, or a plan proposed by both parents. Access is a classic example. If you are opposed to access and speak negatively about your spouse, the child is likely to pick up those signals and act accordingly: ie: refuse access. If you are encouraging of your child's contact with the other parent, your child is likely to follow by example.

Remember, you child is watching!