I might have to tell a judge which one of my parents I want to live with. What do you do when your parents are battling over who gets to keep you for the largest chunk of the year?

Submitted by: Bennett 11, Indiana

Bennett, I don’t think I’ve answered such a tough question before. I’ll tell you why: Without knowing a lot about your family dynamic, it’s kind of hard for me to weigh in on exactly what you should do. So here’s what I want to say to you: As an 11-year-old, you are in such a tough situation right now, and I’m sorry for that. It sounds like you’re going to have to stand up and give your opinion in front of people whom you really love and care about. So, the only thing I can leave you with, Bennett is: Follow your gut. Rather than doing what other people tell you to do, really listen to that inside voice. Close your eyes for a minute, and ask your inside person: What should I do? Where do I want to be? How can I handle this situation? And see what first comes to mind. This is never easy. And a custody battle is never, ever easy on the kids. But you are doing such a good job by writing me this letter. It tells me that you are keenly aware of your situation. And, in the end, when you do chose one of your parents over the other, maybe you can write a nice letter to your other parent and let him or her just how difficult this situation was for you. I’m sorry that you’re in this predicament, and I really hope you get through it. Keep me posted, Bennett.

I might have to tell a judge which one of my parents I want to live with. What do you do when your parents are battling over who gets to keep you for the largest chunk of the year?

Submitted by: Bennett 11, Indiana
Bennett, I don’t think I’ve answered such a tough question before. I’ll tell you why: Without knowing a lot about your family dynamic, it’s kind of hard for me to weigh in on exactly what you should do. So here’s what I want to say to you: As an 11-year-old, you are in such a tough situation right now, and I’m sorry for that. It sounds like you’re going to have to stand up and give your opinion in front of people whom you really love and care about. So, the only thing I can leave you with, Bennett is: Follow your gut. Rather than doing what other people tell you to do, really listen to that inside voice. Close your eyes for a minute, and ask your inside person: What should I do? Where do I want to be? How can I handle this situation? And see what first comes to mind. This is never easy. And a custody battle is never, ever easy on the kids. But you are doing such a good job by writing me this letter. It tells me that you are keenly aware of your situation. And, in the end, when you do chose one of your parents over the other, maybe you can write a nice letter to your other parent and let him or her just how difficult this situation was for you. I’m sorry that you’re in this predicament, and I really hope you get through it. Keep me posted, Bennett.