Your children will likely be anxious, confused and nervous about what happens after their parents are no longer together. However, there are many steps you can take to ensure that they can adjust to the situation.
Don’t share too much information
It is important that your child knows that he or she did nothing to cause the divorce. Your child should also know that there was nothing that he or she could have done to prevent it from occurring. Ideally, you will have a conversation with your son or daughter about the pending divorce. This makes it easier to provide concrete details about what is happening, and it also makes it easier to answer more of your child’s questions in an affirmative manner.
Let the child have a relationship with the other parent
The relationship between a parent and child shouldn’t change just because the relationship between two parents did. Therefore, you should encourage your child to remain in contact with both parents after the divorce happens. Furthermore, you should strongly consider having joint holiday gatherings or family dinners together as a favor to your child. The more time that your child gets to spend with both parents, the happier he or she is likely to be. Of course, this assumes that the other parent having custody or visitation rights is in the child’s best interest.
Be sure to provide plenty of structure
You should work with the child’s other parent to ensure that a uniform set of rules is being enforced at all times. Children who are subject to clear rules and expectations tend to grow up to be happier and healthier adults.
If you are going through a divorce, you may want to speak with a family law attorney. This person may be able to help resolve child custody or other issues that arise during the divorce process.
