My ex is moving out on Sunday. We have a seven year old daughter whom this will be very hard on. She is quite the daddy's girl. Would it be better to be here when he packs up his stuff to say goodbye or would it be better to take her somewhere while he goes?

ellieh......what a tough time for all of you.

Personally, I would tell her daddy will be living somewhere else and he still loves her (if she doesn't know this already) and I would take her somewhere else. I would ask dad to stay after he packed and let him ease her fears and insecurities.

I know one couple who knew divorce was inevitiable and tackled the situation together to make sure their children knew they were still loved. These children did not seem sad or show any stress with their school work. This couple worked very hard to make transisitions between visitation pleasent and respectful.

Best of luck...

she knows he is leaving. she is looking forward to their visitations but is very sad because he won't be living here anymore. thank you for your advice.

I'm with Tessmit on this one --

Allow him time to himself to gather his things, she doesn't need to be there for it, it would only make it harder. Do, however give them ample time to say their goodbyes (even temporary ones) and make sure that she is ok before he leaves.

I'm sorry you're having to go through this. It's rough on everyone involved, but the children especially.

You are a gentle soul momof2okc. You seem to have such a good head on your shoulders. Your children are very lucky.

Thank you, granny. I don't feel like that all the time, lol. Sometimes I wonder how I make it through the day.