In the United States, approximately 1.5 million children’s parents divorce every year. This can leave children overwhelmed, confused, and hurt. In the storm of chaos that comes with child custody lawyers, aggressive law attorneys, and other legal issues, it is important to remember that your children are more than just property. Understanding that divorce can be extremely difficult for children is the first step to improving their experience throughout the process. Here are some tips to help your children cope with your divorce.
First and foremost, it is critical to make sure your child knows they are loved. Reassure them constantly and never hold back. Depending on their age, children can handle divorce differently, and they may not understand that the divorce is not about them. They need to be reminded that none of this is their fault, and that both parents will continue to love them just as much as before.
Another vital step of helping your child cope with divorce is communication. Make sure your child knows that they can come to you in confidence to discuss any emotions or thoughts they may have about the divorce. If your child feels like they have to hold in these thoughts, it can truly create a toxic state of mind and lead your child to believe that the divorce may be their fault. Go to your child with open arms and open ears, and listen intently to every word they have to say.
In the hard times of divorce, it is important for your child to have positive role models aside from their parents. Reach out to your child’s aunts, uncles, and grandparents and try to get them involved. Even if it is a family friend, most people will be honored that you see them as a positive role model and want them to spend time with your child.
Finally, it is important to do the best you can to maintain a positive relationship with your ex. If your child’s mind is constantly being polluted by toxic thoughts from others about how ‘awful’ their other parent is, it can be extremely damaging to their psyche. Try to maintain peace, especially in front of your child. Make sure your child feels free to express any negative emotions about the other parent to you, but do not fuel the fire by adding to the negative remarks. It is also best to not discuss the specifics of the process, such as child custody lawyers or divorce mediation. This may take some practice, but it is the best for your child’s mental health.
Overall, divorce is a very difficult and overwhelming process for the entire family. In the midst of child custody lawyers and legal proceedings, don’t let your child’s emotional health fall by the wayside.