How To Help Your Children Through a Divorce
- Encourage your children to talk openly about their feelings.
- Emphasize that the divorce is not their fault.
- Understand that your children's behavior may reflect their feelings of anger, fear, confusion, sadness, and loss. Validate their feelings; allow them to be angry with you.
- Be honest with your children about the finality of the divorce according to what is age appropriate.
- Keep your children informed about family-life changes, such as moving, visitation, activities, schedules, etc.
- Remain consistent with established rules and expectations, even if they are not the same in the other parent's household.
- Make the effort to spend quality time with each child every day.
- Commit to protecting your children from being involved in parental conflict. Agree on co-parenting strategies that benefit the children.
- Take all necessary steps to ensure a safe and stable home environment.
- Seek professional help if your children are experiencing unresolved problems in response to your divorce.
