If you are going through a divorce, you will know exactly how much stress and strained emotions are involved for you and your partner. But what about your kids? They will be right in the middle of the arguing and bickering. Understandably, they won’t be too happy right now. However, it is possible to shield them from as much of the unpleasantness as possible. With the following tips, you can help your kids get through the divorce without too much upset.
Remind Your Children That They Are Always Loved
Sometimes, young children don’t fully understand why their parents are divorcing. If this is the case with your children, they could be blaming themselves for the situation. You need to constantly remind your kids that the divorce isn’t about them and that you and your partner will always love them. This can prevent your kids from suffering from crashes in their self-esteem. Remind them that adults make mistakes sometimes and that this divorce is entirely the fault of you and your partner.
Talk To Your Kids
Your children will have a lot of mixed emotions and feelings about the divorce. So it is a good idea to encourage them to talk whenever they feel like it. This can help them to process what is going on. It also gives you a chance to answer any questions and tell them exactly what is going on. This can also give your child the chance to feel like they are helping the situation. By chatting with you, they may feel like they are actually helping you.
Don’t Argue About Custody
If it is possible, try to come to a quick agreement with your partner about custody of the children. Dragging out this process can be extremely stressful for your kids. Ideally, you need to hire a lawyer as soon as you agree to the divorce. Then if your partner puts up a fight for custody, you will be well-equipped to fight back. The better the lawyer, the quicker you will get a settlement, so it is a good idea to try and find the best attorney in your local area.
Never Argue In Front Of The Kids
One of the most crucial things in the whole divorce period is never to argue or fight in front of your kids. This will only upset them and stress them out. When you are dropping them off at their Dad’s, try and be amicable with your ex-partner. Even if you are not on good terms, you should refrain from icy exchanges in front of your children. Otherwise, it will seem like a constant battlefield to your kids. If you really can’t stand your ex-partner, ask a family member or friend to drop your kids off when it is their time to take care of them.
Divorce can be a very tough time for the whole family. But now that you know the above tips, you should be able to make it a lot easier for your kids.