How would have handled this? I panicked!!!
How would have handled this? I panicked!!!
Little back story. DD has not seen her bio dad in over a year. He has chosen to not be in her life because we couldn't make things work. DD and I went to my storage unit today to get out some stuff and she seen a giant picture frame with a ton of pictures of my family in it. One being of me and her father. She pointed out that it was mommy in that picture. Then before I could move it fast enough she pointed out the "man" in the picture. She asked me who he was. I panicked and quickly came out and said that it was mommies friend. I didn't know what to tell her and that was the first thing that came out of my mouth. She is 4 by the way. How would you have handled that? I feel guilty lying to her but she use to have meltdowns because she missed her daddy. I didn't want to put her threw that again.
deleted-user·
You have to tell the truth in an age appropriate manner.
It's much better that the information come from you rather than someone else
deleted-user·
I'm sorry OP, that sucks a lot. I agree kids should know, but figure out when you think she's ready. Some kids take it harder than others :/
Whatheshell ·
I wouldn't even know how to tell her appropriately for her age. How do you tell a little kid something like that? It took her a good 4 months of crying every day for him for her to finally stop crying. I cried with her because my heart broke that my beautiful little girl would have to go threw something like that when she didn't do a thing wrong. She has my DF who loves her as his own and she loves him. Now she doesn't question about her father one bit. I don't want to pour salt on an old wound.
deleted-user·
I totally get that but someone else won't take as much time to be considerate of her feelings.
Explain that the man is her father and when she asks why he isn't around something simple like he had to go away for a while may satisfy her until she's older.
Whatheshell ·
Thank you @mama. Next time it comes up (hoping it doesn't) I will tell her that. I appreciate your advice !