Helping Children Cope with Divorce
Tips for Your Family When Navigating Divorce in Melbourne, FL and the Surrounding Areas
Divorce is a confusing and stressful ordeal, especially for children. It’s important to talk to your child or children about what’s going on and encourage them to share their feelings. While this is not an easy situation, there are some steps you can take to make it less stressful for children. Read on for tips and trick to help your children cope with divorce.
Have further questions? Call the Figueroa Law Group, P.A. at (321) 248-1011.
Tell the Truth
Do not confuse your kids with lies or complicated reasoning. Simply tell them what is going on in a simple and truthful manner, without too many details and without placing blame on your spouse. It’s important for children to understand what is going on. Let them know that some things will be changing, but that you will get through it together. And always tell them you and your spouse love them.
Avoid Blaming
Do not let your own emotions get the best of you while talking to your children. Blaming your spouse, whom your children love, will not do any good. Placing blame will only encourage your children to place blame on themselves. Be mindful of your feelings and demonstrate control and maturity when explaining divorce to your kids.
Encourage Your Child to Love the Other Parent
Do not make your children feel like they have to pick sides. Do not make the other parent a taboo subject either, as they are an important part of your child’s life. Your child’s self-esteem depends on positive relationships with both parents. It will also encourage positive and meaningful relationships in the future.
Deal with Emotions
It is normal and expected for children to have feelings of guilt, sadness, and anger. As a parent, you can’t ignore these emotions; they need to be dealt with. Talk to them about what they are feeling, encourage communication between them and your spouse, and take them to a therapist, counselor or psychologist if you feel it is in their best interest.
Discipline Consistently
Realize you are parents to the same children, so you should still discipline them as a team. Do not let emotions like anger or shame lead to inconsistent behavior.
Keep Children Out of Adult Conversations
Conversations regarding the parents’ finances, infidelity, time-sharing schedules, and other adult situations should be kept away from children. Let kids be kids, and Do not worry them about adult matters. It’s important to make this time in their lives as peaceful as possible.
For more advice on how to help your children cope with divorce in Melbourne, FL and the surrounding areas, contact us at (321) 248-1011.
