It is very normal for young children to miss their mom when visiting their dad. Your son probably won't miss you at all when he's a teen and even in the years before that, but at age 6, a child is still "a mommy's boy." That is normal. Dad can help by saying things like, "Yes, of course you miss Mom. You'll see her again very soon." He doesn't have to do anymore than that and it will REALLY help your son cope better during visits. You can also use emotional coaching with him saying things like "I know it's hard. All kids find it hard to be away from their mommies. We'll see each other again in just a few days." See my book "Raise Your Kids without Raising Your Voice" for information about how to do Emotional Coaching (or listen to the MP3 on this site called "Emotional Coaching"). Maybe you can give him a picture of you in a little clock-locket to keep in his pocket. The Bach Flower Remedy called "mimulus" can also be really helpful for separation anxiety - learn more about it at www.bachcentre.com.  If he continues to struggle, consider taking him to a child therapist to help him get through this without too much stress or anxiety. Unfortunately, children are the casualties of divorce - it is very hard for them to negotiate two homes and always missing one parent. That is the reality, no matter how uncomfortable that is for parents. The more you can acknowledge how hard it is, the easier it will become for him - odd as that sounds. Emotional support helps us all get through really difficult times. Also, children do well with concrete types of encouragement. You can give him rewards for being "brave." "When you come home from Daddy's house, we'll have special ice cream Sundaes because you are so brave for going when you feel sad."  Ultimately, you may have to accept that your son is sad and sometimes scared or upset when he is with his dad and there is not all that much you can do about it. However, maintaining a pleasant working relationship with your ex-husband and speaking well of him to your child is extremely important in reducing your child's inner turmoil. Do all that you can in that department. And, again, if your child does not start to do better before visits, do consider taking him for professional assistance.   All the best,  Sarah Chana

My sister-in-law hates my brother (her ex-husband) and makes sure her kids know it. All three of them dread going to his house for visits because she makes him out to be such a bad guy. Make sure you tell your child that his Dad is a good man (even if you hate him) because otherwise he could lose the chance of having a relationship with his own father. And that really hurts kids.

My sister-in-law hates my brother (her ex-husband) and makes sure her kids know it. All three of them dread going to his house for visits because she makes him out to be such a bad guy. Make sure you tell your child that his Dad is a good man (even if you hate him) because otherwise he could lose the chance of having a relationship with his own father. And that really hurts kids.