In this episode, Jinohn Marr, LMFT, and Armando Martinez, LPC, take over to discuss a topic many parents struggle with: why children often fall apart after transitioning back from the other parent’s home. They explain that these transitions can be emotionally demanding because children are shifting back into a different set of expectations, routines, and emotional needs. Armando reminds us that this adjustment period is normal, and Jinohn describes how it can look different across ages—whether younger kids become clingy, tearful, or overwhelmed, or older kids show sadness, irritability, boundary-testing, or withdrawal. They emphasize that it’s completely typical for children to need time to settle back in as they re-regulate and reconnect with the rhythm of your home.

Jinohn and Armando share practical ways to support smoother transitions, including keeping boundaries and expectations as similar as possible between households, offering a snack to help stabilize mood and energy, and allowing space for a simple, relaxed environment rather than jumping into a full, busy schedule. These small adjustments help children feel steadier, safer, and more connected during the emotional shift between homes.

Taking care of your relationship with your child is especially important during the holiday season. Our Countering Alienation course gives you practical tools to protect and strengthen that bond—even in high-conflict situations. Register here: https://www.beyonddivorcecourses.com/offers/LoSnQoUH/checkout

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