No matter how smooth a transition your divorce is, it will affect your children in challenging ways. They may have some tough questions about what their new life will look like.
Children can have large emotions that are difficult to process. Fortunately, there are steps that you can take to help make it easier for your children when it comes to adjusting to their new lives.
Important things to avoid
As found on KidsHealth, there are several things you should avoid doing so that you do not put undue pressure on your children, or make them feel like they must choose sides.
- Do not engage in heated conflict or legal talk in front of your children
- Do not try to keep your ex out of your children’s lives, unless there is abuse involved
- Do not forget how important it is to maintain your children’s normal routine as much as possible
- Do not speak badly about the other parent in front of your children, save that for therapy or counseling
- Do not use your children for support during your divorce. Instead, seek professional counseling or friends and family
Answering difficult questions
Your children are bound to have questions regarding how their lives will look in the future. It is important to be ready to answer them when your children are ready. Do not push them to talk about it if they are not ready, but let them know that you will be there for them when they are. Be as honest with your children as possible without resorting to finger-pointing or blaming the other parent. It is important to let your children know that no matter what, both parents love and support them.