Going through a divorce can be a tough situation for everyone. Children are one of the main losers in a divorce, as it is a stressful and confusing time for them. As a result, they react differently. Some of the reactions may include shock, sadness, frustration, anger, or worry. For this reason, you need to find a way to help your children to cope with divorce so that it does not have an adverse effect on their future.
Reaction from children differs and may depend on their age, personality, and the circumstances surrounding the divorce. No doubt, you have enough on your mind as the divorce process goes on.
However, your goal should be to help kids through this difficult time. There’s a lot you can do to help your children cope with divorce and minimize the adverse effects it can have on them. Below are tips that will help your children cope with divorce
1. Breaking the News to Them
The news about Mom and Dad having a divorce has a varying effect for a two-year-old and a ten-year-old since their level of understanding is different. For this reason, you should figure out the best way to break the news to them.
If possible, you and your partner should be present for this conversation. Give them just enough information but do not overwhelm them with too much. It’s vital to try to leave feelings of anger, guilt, or blame out of it.
For your kids five years and below, their ability to understand complex events is very low. So, it is best to give them only simple, concrete explanations. Tell them which parent will be moving out and where they will live.
Also, explain who will look after them and how often they’ll see the other parent. Reassure them how their regular routines will work out and that they will still get consistent care.
Kids, age 6 to 9 years old, have a little more understanding but have limited knowledge of complicated circumstances. Give a concrete and straightforward explanation and explain how their care and routines will be provided.
Explain that the decision to divorce is an adult choice, that they didn’t cause it. Approaching the topic indirectly will help them talk more about their feelings.
Children from 12 years and above have a better ability to understand issues related to divorce. Engage them in discussions and give explanations to their question to increase their understanding.
Besides, having open communication decreases the chance that emotional problems will go unnoticed. However, do not insist on talking when your child refuses to listen.
Be patient and try as much as possible to keep them out of the divorce proceedings. Children in this age bracket will best hear about the divorce from you than get hold of it outside the home.
2. Reassure them that you love them always
Children can easily assume blame when a parent leaves home. They might feel they would have somehow prevented the situation by “being more fun or better behaved.” As a result, their self-esteem might be affected negatively.
So, reassure them that you still love them and that you will both go on caring for them. Inform them there will be many opportunities to spend time with both parents.
Be consistent in playing your usual role even after the divorce. For example, if your kids regularly confide in you before the divorce, you should still be available for this role even after the divorce.
3. Maintain Old Routine
It would be best to keep daily routines the same or keep them as close as possible with only little changes. For instance, extracurricular activities, visits with family and friends, dropping, and pickups from school should be consistent.
Doing this will help your child see the new arrangement calmly and avoid over-reacting.
For younger kids, routines are essential, so they should remain as normal as possible. Always remember and join in important events in your kid’s life that you usually participate in.
4. Maintain A Good Support System
Maintaining a sound support system is vital for helping your children cope with divorce.
You can try to create an environment where your child will feel comfortable opening up to you—for example, sitting together in a park, taking a walk, or playing a sport together.
Ask questions that will help you understand their feelings better.
Have relatives that your kids are comfortable with come over to the house. They can also provide needed support to your kids. You can get help for your kids by seeing a psychologist or joining support groups for divorced parents’ children.
5. Maintain a Civil Relationship with the Other Parent
It will help to maintain a civil relationship with the other parent. Communicate directly with the other parent, and don’t use your children as messengers.
Also, agree on rules and discipline so that your child will have consistency. Avoid blaming and painting the other parent as a bad parent.
Above all, never try to make your child take sides with you or the other parent. Don’t undermine the other parent’s authority or decision they have made.
Be flexible for your child’s benefit, and sometimes you can adjust your schedule to accommodate an emergency.
6. Ensure Peaceful Transition
After agreeing and concluding on living arrangements, discuss it with your kids. You should be clear about the plans that have been made because you need their cooperation for the plans to be successful.
Besides, they have a right to know the decisions that are being made on their behalf. However, it would be best to respect older kids’ feelings about where they want to live.
Doing this will enable a peaceful transition and help your children cope better during the divorce process.
Ensure to keep out arguments and quarrel with the other parent. That situation can make your child tense and anxious. When there is too much conflict when you meet your ex, it might push the other parent to stay away.
7. Keep Open Communication
Open communication will help you get to understand your child’s situation better. Encourage your child to express disappointment without lashing out in anger.
Moreover, this will allow you to correct misconceptions and wrong ideas. Persuade them to talk to the other parent about their concerns.
As hard as a divorce can be on a parent, it can be much harder for kids. Although they might not fully understand the situation or misinterpret what they see, the effect of divorce on them can be devastating.
Therefore, you should view their interest as paramount in making your decision. Be patient with them as you apply these tips to help your children cope with divorce.
