Divorce is a stressful time for anyone, but it can be especially difficult on your kids. Here are some ways you can help them cope.
The most important thing is to remain calm and consistent. This can make a huge difference in your child’s overall mental health. It also helps them to know you’ll always be there for them, even when things get hard. You can seek divorce lawyers in Harrisburg, PA to help you further understand proceedings or just to gain more information about the process.
1.Let them know you love them.
There are many ways to help children cope with divorce, but one of the most important is letting them know you love them. That includes hugs, kisses and words of affection.
Give your kids a hug when they come in from school, at bedtime and whenever you can find a moment to say it. Even if you’re not in the mood to hug, give them a quick kiss or hold their hand.
Be aware of any changes in their behavior, like losing interest in activities or withdrawing from friends. This could be a sign of depression or adjustment disorder.
It’s also important to encourage them to talk. They may have a lot of questions about the change and need a listening ear to process their emotions.
2.Let them know you’ll always be there for them.
One of the most effective ways to help your kids cope with a divorce is to let them know you’ll always be there for them. Whether it’s by calling, sending them texts or FaceTiming, you can show them they have a friend who cares about them during this difficult time.
Providing them with this support will allow them to feel more comfortable and secure during this transition.
The more your child knows you’ll be there for them, the better prepared they will be to deal with their emotions and make it through this tough time.
Children of all ages need to know that their parents will continue to love them despite the changes in their lives. They should also be reassured that you’ll work hard to carve out quality time with them no matter what your circumstances are.
3.Keep things as normal as possible.
Children can feel unsettled by big changes in family life like separation or divorce. They need to feel safe and secure in their new situation, so it’s important to keep things as normal as possible for them.
Talking honestly and reassuring them will help. Stick with familiar routines, involve them in small decisions and make time for family fun.
It’s also a good idea to try not to talk negatively about one parent in front of the other. This will only bring up negative feelings in your child and it’s not healthy for them to see you fighting with their other parent.
If they start to act out, try to create a structured environment with clear expectations of behavior. This may help them cope with their emotions and make sense of the divorce.
4.Encourage them to talk.
One of the best ways to help your kids cope with divorce is by encouraging them to talk. They might be angry, sad or overwhelmed and need to talk through their feelings.
Be sure to reassure them that they’ll be OK and it will get better. Explain how you’re planning to handle changes to their lives, like living arrangements and the school routine.
Children may be anxious about moving to a new home, missing visits with their other parent or even having to change extracurricular activities or school events. They might be afraid they’ll get sick or lose friends.
Encouraging your child to discuss their feelings will help them process their emotions and move on. They’ll also appreciate the fact that you’re there to listen and understand them.
5.Let them know they’re not alone.
Divorce causes a number of emotional and relationship difficulties that can impact children. Some kids experience a mild, short-term adjustment while others develop long-lasting problems.
Keeping a child’s life as normal as possible can help them cope with divorce. This includes limiting the amount of changes to their routines and making sure they are not forced to move away from friends or family.
It’s also important to let them know they are not the only child whose parents are getting divorced. Make them aware that other children their age are experiencing the same thing and give them plenty of opportunities to spend time with their new, extended family.
When a child is told that their parents are getting a divorce, they often respond with self-centered thoughts that indicate the parents must have done something wrong to end the marriage. This can lead to feelings of guilt and depression in children.
