Dad prepares to lose contact with daughter during COVID-19 crisis

A Tasmanian dad whose daughter lives in Sydney says the COVID-19 travel restrictions will tear separated families even further apart.

AN EAST Coast dad is facing the “painful” prospect that he might not see his 12-year-old daughter for many months due to COVID-19 travel restrictions.

The man, who asked to remain anonymous to protect his daughter’s identity, said he’s no doubt one of many Tasmanian dads who would become estranged from their children.

The 49-year-old has a court order ensuring he gets regular access to his daughter, who now lives in Sydney, but has cancelled her Easter trip home.

He said she would need to enter 14 days’ quarantine in Tasmania, but the court order stipulated she was only to visit him for a week.

Likewise, the man said he wouldn’t be able to leave his job to quarantine in NSW for a fortnight.

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“I understand and accept that my daughter cannot travel for reasons beyond my control,” he said.

“(But) it’s busting up families that are already busted up enough.”

He said it was painful that he couldn’t exercise his responsibilities as a father.

“I think a lot of kids will lose contact with their parents,” he said.

“And I’m seeing no guidance from the government as to how to deal with family court orders.”

Hobart clinical psychologist Jessica McCallum said the COVID-19 restrictions would be “rough” for separated parents and children.

But she recommended parents should focus on connection, validate their children’s thoughts and feelings, and “know that things won’t be this way forever”.

“Physical distance can play a role in how families function, but emotional closeness is key,” she said.

“Even with social distancing rules in place, families that focus on building emotional connection and communication will fare much better.”

Dr McCallum suggested parents keep the focus away from conflict with their ex-partners, and instead work on building relationships with children using play.

She said that could include jokes or charades via FaceTime, writing letters and postcards, sending meaningful gifts and sharing pictures of their daily lives.