Unfortunately, in some divorces, the noncustodial father becomes a kind of odd man out whose physical removal from the child makes him a visitor, not a parent. One of the unfortunate outcomes of noncustodial parenting happens when the parent remarries and has a second family with a new wife. Very often when this happens, the noncustodial parent drifts out of the life of his child, who may blame himself or herself for the loss of contact.

No one denies that divorced parenting brings great challenges, particularly for the absent parent and even more for a father. Even when a father shares legal custody, his physical absence from the child’s life on a day-to-day basis make a father’s job more difficult. Some noncustodial parents become angry if they believe the support payment is not benefitting the child, or frustrated if the custodial parent blindly enforces a visitation schedule.

Because visitation time is precious, the noncustodial parent uses it wisely, not dissipating time on barren activities like watching television. Shared experiences make for memories, and memories, unlike "stuff," last and often get better with time.

A noncustodial parent comes to understand that the halves are not equal and tries to make his or her half better. A noncustodial parent tries to make his or her children feel secure and loved and always aims for the high road in dealings with his former spouse who remains the child’s other parent.