Lansing parents who are working through the divorce process likely know that their uneasy circumstances affect their children. Even though parents may try to ease the discomfort of a changing family dynamic, they may be unsure of the best way to go about it. One of the first steps that may help is for parents to be honest with their kids, in a way they will understand, about the divorce. Kids need to know what’s going to change in their lives, and what to expect as the process unfolds.
As the divorce process moves forward and the lives of parents continue to separate, kids may find that they are experiencing many new emotions. Parents should be aware of these feelings and work to help them move through them. Kids may be upset about their parents being in separate homes, and may miss the other parent when they are not around.
It is important that kids stay connected with both parents. While encouraging communication and connection, parents should be careful not to display negative feelings or comments about the other parent to kids. Kids love both of their parents and may feel belittled when one is talked about negatively.
Working together to formulate how the family will move forward may be one of the most important aspects of a healthy divorce. When parents can work together to keep routines similar in structure, kids may feel more at ease. Kids thrive on consistency, so when parents can work out keeping their kids in the same activities and school, the divorce may be less traumatic for them.
Another way Lansing parents can help ease the divorce process for their kids is by getting support. Aside from the support system in place to facilitate the divorce successfully, kids may benefit from additional support such as from school groups or counseling. When the divorce process gets tough, having a strong support system in place can help parents ease their kids into their new world successfully.
Source: Fox News, “How to help your child cope with divorce,” Julie Revelant, Aug. 22, 2012