4 Ways You Can Help Your Children During Your Divorce

 Posted on January 30, 2019 in Divorce

The first worry on many parents’ minds when they decide they will get a divorce is how that will affect their children. Divorce can be hard for everyone in the family, but it can be especially hard on children. Depending on your child’s age, they may not understand what a divorce means and what it means for them. Each child is different, so it is hard to predict a child’s reaction to divorce, but much of their reaction depends on how you, as a parent, communicate and nurture your child during this trying time. Here are a few ways you can help ease your children into the change that a divorce brings:

1. Break the News in an Appropriate Way

When initially telling your children about your divorce, it is important that you keep things simple. Your 6-year-old child does not need to know that you are getting a divorce because your spouse has a habit of lying. Keep things simple by phrasing things like “Mommy and daddy are just not happy anymore, but a divorce will make mommy, daddy and you happier.” Older children may require a bit more detail, but the sentiment should be the same.

2. Encourage Your Child to Talk About His or Her Feelings

This is important because you can count on the fact that your children will have feelings about your divorce. Many times, not letting these feelings out manifests as misbehavior or acting out from your children. Let your children know that whatever they are feeling is OK and natural, but that it is important that they talk about their feelings.

3. Reassure Your Children Often

Many times, children can feel like a divorce is their fault. It is only natural for children to internalize their parents’ issues, and blaming themselves makes the most sense for the child. Make sure your child knows that the divorce is not their fault, but that it is happening so that everyone can be happier with their lives. Give your children lots of love during this time, and make sure they know that they are loved by both parents.

4. Hire an Oakland County Divorce Attorney

It is no secret that a divorce is difficult. You may often feel yourself wondering if you made the right decision for your children, but with help from a skilled Farmington Hills child custody lawyer, you can be reassured that you are handling your divorce in a way that takes into account your children’s interests. At Elkouri Heath, PLC, we can help you with all aspects of your divorce, from child custody issues to property division. Call our office today at 248-344-9700 to schedule a free consultation.

Sources:

https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/help-child-divorce.html

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/how-raise-happy-cooperative-child/201302/8-strategies-helping-kids-adjust-divorce

https://www.helpguide.org/articles/parenting-family/children-and-divorce.htm/