James Yap And Son Bimby Reconnect And Rebuild Their Relationship After 8 Years, ‘I’m Super Happy’. 3 tips for reconnecting with your child after separating.

PHOTO BYINSTAGRAM /KRISAQUINO AND /JAMESYAP18

“Miga, I’m super happy to hear from Bimb after eight years. I’ve been praying for this day to come. Na-miss ko sobra si Bimb! It’s the best Father’s Day gift ever,” James Yap said in a recent interview with Dolly Ann Carvajal.

Indeed, it was the best Father’s Day gift for a dad in his shoes.

Bimby has been staying with his mom Kris Aquino since his parents’separation in 2010. Their marriage was annulled in 2012 and James Yap now has two more children with girlfriend Michela Cazzola.

Yap shared in the interview that he is looking forward to reuniting Bimby with his brother MJ, and finally meeting his younger sister Francine. He also said that Bimby wished him luck in his new career as a public servant

Another article reports that Kris Aquino shared on Instagram, “Yesterday [on] Father’s Day, my bunso made me proud. He’s had the number to contact for almost a week, and the reluctance was so real, yet he took the first step towards rebuilding a relationship that I know will require some time to repair. Pero ang mahalaga ay nagsimula na.”

In the now deleted post, Kris Aquino didn’t mention any names, but she said, “it will be easy for you to figure out.”

Kris Aquino added, “From the time Bimb was 8, he had the freedom to decide… Now at 16 I told him, ‘When someone reaches out after 7 years, and there’s a chance for peace, then everyone wins.”

3 tips for reconnecting with your child after separating

Everything about parents’ separation is not easy: child custody, co-parenting rules, visitations, not to mention its psychological effects on the kids. Separation (or divorce in other countries) is extremely difficult for children, who are usually torn by their desire to love both parents.

‘When you show humility and respect toward your kids, you pave the way for them to be open and vulnerable with you.’

Confusion and hurt can often lead to resentment and emotional separation between kids and parents. But parents can work at reconciliation with their children and encourage healing in the relationship.

And one small step, even just a simple phone call, may be enough to ignite the start of a renewed relationship. Just like Bimby and James Yap’s phone call.

According to Focus on the Family, a non-profit organization based in the US, here are a few tips on how to reconnect with your child after separation:

1. Communication lines must remain open.

Once a week, take your kids to dinner without your new partner (or spouse). If they refuse to talk with you, do not force the conversation. You can sit in silence while you eat; that’s acceptable. By doing so, your children will realize that you refuse to give up because your relationship with them is invaluable.

2. Accept responsibility for your part in the conflict, and ask for forgiveness.

Reflect on past interactions with your children, and—with the help of a counselor who can be completely frank with you—talk through how your words and actions might have been perceived. Then admit your mistakes to your kids. When you show humility and respect toward your kids, you pave the way for them to be open and vulnerable with you.

3. Hold your children accountable and model acceptable behavior.

Do not allow disrespect for your position as a parent. Let your children know that their feelings are important and you are fully present and willing to listen to their feelings and thoughts about the divorce. Respond without personalizing or internalizing what is said. If a boundary is crossed, stop the conversation for a period of time and tell your child you are taking a time out so later you can listen with more clarity.