DGC 058 – What to Do When Your Child Refuses Visitation

About this episode  

In this episode of the Daddy Got Custody Podcast, Fred Campos, 27-year custody veteran, talks about one of the most difficult situations divorced parents can face: what to do when your child says, “I don’t want to go.”

Fred explains why a child refusing visitation should not automatically be treated as parental alienation, disobedience, or a custody victory. Instead, fathers need to slow down, listen carefully, and understand what may be behind the refusal. The reason could be something simple like friends, activities, different rules between homes, or difficulty with transitions — or it could point to a deeper emotional, relationship, or safety concern.

You’ll learn the difference between listening and interrogating, why children should never be pressured to choose between parents, how age can change the situation, and why fathers should avoid rewarding refusal, guilt-tripping a child, or turning the child into evidence. Fred also discusses documenting repeated problems, communicating calmly with the other parent, when counseling may help, and when it may be time to involve an attorney.

Most importantly, this episode is about protecting the child while still respecting the realities of a custody order.

When your child says, “I don’t want to go,” your first job is not to win the argument. Your first job is to understand why.