Divorce is never easy for parents or for children. Children may feel like the divorce is somehow their fault. Parents try to help children adjust to the breakup of their home while at the same time possibly dealing with their own feelings and problems, such as guilt, anger, loss, loneliness, or financial problems. Parents who are divorcing often struggle to work out a schedule of visits or joint custody, along with routines that are least disruptive to their child.
What To Know
It's important to keep things as normal as possible after your divorce. Keep meal routines, set rules of behavior, and accepted methods of discipline. Relaxing limits, especially during this time of change, can make your child feel insecure. Don't drop routines and spoil your child in an effort to help her deal with your divorce.
What To Say
Encourage your child to talk about how he feels about your divorce. Try not to downplay his feelings of loss or sadness. Listening and letting him know you understand his feelings will help him through this time of change. Remember to keep your role as a parent, however. Your child is still a child. Don't add to his stress by expecting him to be your friend or to takes sides in any conflict you might have with your ex-spouse. Don't say negative things about your ex-spouse. Don't question your child after he comes back from time with your ex-spouse.
What To Do
Consistency in routine and discipline across both homes are important. Similar ideas about bedtimes, rules, and homework will lower anxiety. Let your child know that you and your ex-spouse are trying to work together to help him deal with the divorce. If you find you are having trouble keeping this consistency, don�t be afraid to seek outside help from a counselor or clergy. You might even want to spell out some of these routines in your separation agreement.2
The following ideas also can help parents keep a calm, secure household during this change to two households:
- Remain calm in front of your child.
- Seek help from family, friends, or a professional counselor.
- Rest when your child rests; take care of yourself; make time for your own relaxation.
- Maintain warm, safe contacts with your child.
- Don't deprive your child of her favorite toy, blanket, or stuffed animal.3
- Develop and use a network of friends and family.
- Remember - the most important thing you can give your child at this time is your love.
- Communicate directly to your ex-spouse. Do not use your child as a messenger.
References:
1 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Births, Marriages, Divorces, and Deaths: Provisional Data for 2001 National Vital Statistics Reports, Vol. 50(14), last referenced 5/8/2003.
2 Divorce Headquarters. Separation Agreements, last referenced 5/8/2003.
3 National Network for Child Care. DeBord, K. (1997). Focus on kids: The effects of divorce on children. Raleigh, NC: North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service, last referenced 5/8/2003.
Source: US Dept of Health and Human Services
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