5 Ways to Help Your Children Cope With a Divorce

 Posted on November 13, 2018 in Family Law

Children, especially, can have a difficult time with divorce. Divorce brings much uncertainty into the lives of everyone in the family, and children, who thrive off of stability, can be affected much more strongly than others. There are things you can do to help alleviate some of the stress your children have because of the divorce. Here are five ways you can help your children cope with this big change in their lives:

1. Explain the Divorce to Your Children in Terms They Can Understand

Children’s understanding of divorce will vary based on their age and maturity level. Younger children will need to be explained to in simple, yet truthful terms about the divorce. The conversation can be as simple as telling your children that mommy and daddy no longer want to fight all the time, so they will be living in different houses. Older children will usually require a more explanatory response, but you should be careful to reveal too much information as your children do not need to hear about your marital problems.

2. Encourage Conversation about Their Feelings

You should tell your children that it is normal for them to feel sad or angry about the divorce. You will have your own feelings about the divorce, and it is important for your children to be able to have theirs. Allowing your children to talk about their feelings will allow them to progress through the grieving process.

3. Reassure Your Children That Both Parents Are Still There For Them

Children can often become stressed or worried when they hear that their parents will not be living together anymore. While you may be glad to be free from your ex, your child still looks to your ex as their parent and one of their role models. They need the reassurance that both parents will still be in their lives. You should make sure that they know that they will still be spending time with both parents and if possible, you should share the new parenting schedule with them.

4. Keep to Your Normal Routine as Much as Possible

Children thrive off of stability and routines - both of which a divorce interrupts. While this interruption is nearly unavoidable, it is important that you try to stick to their normal routines as much as possible. If your child is used to going to bed each night at 8 p.m., then try to make an effort to make sure they are in bed at that time.

5. Hire a Hinsdale, IL Child Custody Attorney

Divorce can be a very delicate matter that should be handled by someone who understands the gravity of the situation as well as the law. Our experienced DuPage County child custody lawyers have been helping clients with their divorce legal issues for more than 35 years. No matter your situation, the Law Office of Martoccio & Martoccio can help you arrive at a resolution on all of your divorce matters, including property division, child support and parenting time. To schedule a consultation, call our office at 630-920-8855.

Sources:

https://www.webmd.com/parenting/kids-coping-divorce#1

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