Divorce is a difficult transition for many kids. Below are three ways to help your kids cope with the upset of a divorce:
- Shield the children from the separation and divorce discussions.
Make sure to ensure privacy when talking about the details of the divorce with friends, family, or your lawyer. Keep your interactions with your ex as brief and civil as possible, especially when you’re interacting in front of the kids. - Take care of yourself.
Separation and divorce is highly stressful. For adults, it is important to keep yourself healthy. It is important to find ways to manage your own stress and keep yourself physically and emotionally healthy as possible. By making sure that you’re taking care of your own needs, you can ensure that you’ll be in the best possible shape to take care of your children. - Offer support for your kids and get help.
It is important to encourage honesty and an open dialogue. Kids need an opportunity to put their feelings into words and for their parent to legitimatize how they are feeling. It may be time to tap into any benefits that you have available to get emotional support such as through a therapist for your children and/or yourself.
