how contacts visits go
(visiting dads edition)
Download a copy for free by clicking on the image to the left
With your child session now approaching, Holding Hands has created a short social story to help children understand what contact visits can look like before they arrive.
For many children, contact visits involve new places, new routines, and a number of small unknowns. This story gives them a simple, visual way to see how the visit will unfold, so they are not trying to work it out in the moment.
It walks through the structure of a visit from a child’s perspective, including arriving at the meeting point, being introduced to their helper, spending time with their parent, and how the visit comes to an end. It also gently shows that visits can take place in different settings, and that there is a consistent, supportive presence throughout.
We have also included some of the smaller details that can make a difference to how a visit feels, such as what children can bring with them, what to do if they need a break, and how they can let their helper know if they need anything during the visit.
The aim is not to explain everything, but to give children a clear and predictable picture of what to expect, so they can arrive feeling a little more comfortable and ready to focus on their time with their parent.
You can download a copy of the social story below and take some time to read through it with your child before their visit.
other #alwayschildfocused projects to help you along the way 💛
Alongside our social story, we have developed a number of #alwayschildfocused resources to support families as they move through contact visits and post-separation parenting more broadly.
Our #alwayschildfocused blog is where we share practical insights drawn from what we see every day, helping to make sense of the process in a way that feels grounded and clear.
For families who are new to contact visits, our #alwayschildfocused podcast offers gentle, accessible conversations that walk through common experiences and questions, helping parents feel more prepared and less unsure about what lies ahead.
We also offer the #alwayschildfocused library, a small but thoughtful collection of books, games, and resources that can be borrowed through your helper to support connection during visits and provide guidance for parents navigating post-separation parenting.
For children, we have created the #alwayschildfocused: kids mini website - a simple, child-friendly space designed to help little minds understand what is happening around them and feel a little more comfortable with the journey ahead.
