I have hired the best early childhood specialist in the state if not the region to help me co-parent and he assures me that D4 knows whats going on and knows who caused the change to happen.
He advised me, from the beginning, to make every moment count and that at that age you build bonds through structure. She wants to know "what the plan is" and she needs to know that she is loved and not abandoned.
Make plans and dont break promises
Being a every other weekend dad [censored] BUT use that time to build anticipation. Plan ahead, "lets go on a picnic next time I see you- what should we bring?" Plan it together and she will think about, and look forward to it, during the time you are apart. Ive taken train trips to Boston, gone to baseball games, gone to the beach......all using that method. Plan, anticipate, execute. Just be consistent.
MOST OF ALL- If you WANT to be a great dad...you will be- kids see/understand the effort.
ME 38 W 37 T18 M5 D3 BD 1/7/13 PA Conf 2/11/13- Ongoing 2nd simultaneous affair Confirmed 4/19/13 W gets APT and begins transition out 5/29/13 First mediation appt 12/19/13
