There are many reasons why children may resist spending time with a parent after separation. Some of these reasons, like I've suggested, are fairly commonplace and are experienced to a greater or lesser degree by all children. Other reasons include the special vulnerability of a parent after separation and the children's exposure to family violence. Still other reasons include a parent's interference with the children's relationship with the other parent. (These problems are discussed in more detail in the "[[Children Who Resist Seeing a Parent]]" section.) Regardless of how the parents feel about each other, however, they are both responsible for supporting the children's relationship with each other, including helping the children look forward to their time with the other parent.

If a child is reluctant to see a parent, it's also important to know why the child is reluctant to see that parent and take steps to address whatever has caused that reluctance. Social workers, registered clinical counsellors, and psychologists who provide services to children and youth will often be able to identify the problem and suggest ways that the child's relationship with the parent can be better supported, including that each parent and the child receive counselling on an ongoing basis. Counselling is often completely or partially funded through workplace extended health insurance programs, and free public and community counselling services may also be available.