Regarding the issue of "forcing" someone to be a parent... I really don't ever see that happening. It's just like any other "forcing" a person tries to do. Usually only leads to more frustration for yourself. That being said, I do think a person can get creative in trying to facilitate visitation or showing up. I don't think there needs to be any hand holding - for example in my case, my kids don't mention that their father doesn't show up for their stuff but he does visit them sporatically. When they want to see him, we do call and talk to him about it.
As good parents, I think it's important to see the wishes of our kids through in regards to seeing their parents so that they know at least that we tried. If their other parent drops the ball, so be it. I don't see anything wrong with contacting the other parent and saying, your child(ren) really want to see you. How can we make this happen? Sometimes it takes swallowing some pride to see the best interests of our kids through. - When I read this again, it sounds preachy. I'm just trying to say let's keep the best interest of our kids in mind even if the situation (within reason) goes against our grain. - there- more preaching!
