Divorce affects every person within your family, including your little ones. Depending on your children’s ages, they may not fully understand the concept of divorce or why their lives have to change.
As a parent, you cannot stop them from feeling negative, but you can help them learn to cope with the changes in their lives.
Encourage open communication with your children
Accept that your children may react angrily to the divorce. Depending on your kids’ ages and development, they may respond differently. While you should not force your children to talk, you should allow them to speak their minds openly. Let them know that you will not judge them for how they feel. Watch out for signs of serious behavioral changes in your kids. Some kids may engage in reckless behavior or act out in school.
Talk to your kids about their actions and remain attentive to the changes they are going through. Many kids need reassurance that their place in their parents’ lives will not change.
Do not speak negatively about your ex
Children are sensitive to conflict. Try to keep your conflict with your ex separate from your children. Remember that your children have parts of you and your ex within them. When you talk negatively about their other parent, they can internalize those feelings. If you need to vent or talk about your ex, find another adult to talk to rather than letting your children overhear.
Do not be afraid to seek a support system to help you and your children following a divorce. Some children may need help from a pediatrician or child mental health professional.
