Keep sending the birthday card after the divorce
Children lose half their extended family in a separation, usually without anyone deciding that should happen.
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Why it lands
When adults separate, the cards, the invitations and the interest from one side simply stop. The child experiences it as being dropped by people who were family last year, and no explanation is offered because none of the adults think of themselves as having made a decision. Continuing to send a card is a small act that tells a child they were not contingent on the marriage.
How
Keep sending it to the child directly, at whatever address they are at. Do not include messages about the other parent or ask questions about the situation. Just the card, every year, as before.
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A written list of what else helps in the same situation.
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