Helping Your Children Through Divorce
It is no secret that a divorce can be an incredibly stressful time for families. While a couple may have to deal with the grief and sadness of a failed relationship—not to mention the challenges of the divorce process itself—those with children must also manage the transition into a new familial structure.
Divorce is often hardest on children who do not fully understand the entire situation. Most experts in the fields of family relationships and child psychology agree: divorce can be a difficult experience for any child and one that could lead to serious depression.
Leaving Your Children Out of Disputes
It may often be difficult for a parent to leave his or her children out of divorce disputes—especially when matters of parenting time or child support are in question. No matter how tough the situation may be, divorcing parents should make every attempt to ensure that the conflict remains between the spouses.
Avoiding criticism of the other spouse in front of children is also essential. While this may be more difficult when a divorce has been prompted by neglect, abuse, or infidelity, such matters are often too hard for children to really comprehend. As a result, children can become confused, and depression may follow. Disputes between divorcing spouses are hard enough without children developing negative opinions and attitudes about their own parents.
Instead of speaking with children about the state of a marriage, it is more mature and beneficial to speak with a therapist or counselor about these complex issues. Adult matters should be discussed with adults.
Helping Your Children Adjust to Change
Even in cases where the children continue to live in the marital home and close to both parents, it is hard for them to not feel as if their lives are changing. While this may be an opportunity to learn that change is a necessary part of life, it should not become a catalyst for depression.
Additionally, during and after a divorce, parents should try not to disturb a child’s regular routine. Sports, after-school activities, and hobbies should remain steady, as well as their relationships with extended family members and friends. This is also an opportune moment for parents to reach out to teachers, coaches, and other involved adults and inform them of the situation—at least to some degree—so that they can help identify potential problems as they arise.
Let Us Help
If you are currently facing a divorce, child support battle, or dispute over parental responsibilities, an experienced DuPage County family law attorney can provide the guidance you need. Contact Abear Law Offices by calling 630-904-3033 for a confidential consultation today.
Source:
http://www.webmd.com/parenting/kids-coping-divorce