4 Ways You Can Help Your Child Cope With Divorce

 Posted on July 10, 2019 in Divorce

Divorce can be a very stressful and emotional time for everyone in the family, but it can be especially difficult for children. There is no way to predict exactly how your child will react to a divorce, but many children experience feelings of sadness, anger, shock, resentment, and even guilt when dealing with their parent’s divorce. Many of these feelings are normal emotions that the child will experience as they go through the grieving process. Though there is no way around these feelings, there are many things you can do to help your child learn how to adapt to their new circumstances. Here are a few ways you can help your child cope with your divorce:

1. Be Prepared to Answer a Lot of Questions

Children are naturally curious, so it is only normal for them to have a lot of questions once you break the news of the divorce. Your child might ask you where they are going to live, if you or your spouse will be moving out, why you are getting a divorce, and if they will change schools, among other things. You should be prepared to answer these questions, and if you do not currently have an answer for these questions, be honest with your child and tell them you will let them know as soon as you can.

2. Allow Your Children to Maintain Consistency

A divorce brings with it a large amount of uncertainty. Children do not do well with unpredictability, and they thrive when there is routine and consistency in their lives. This is why sticking to a regular routine during this period of stress in their lives can be extremely beneficial. Even if your child just has the familiarity of the same bedtime routine each day, it can provide them with a great deal of comfort.

3. Reassure Your Children

Many of the feelings your child will be experiencing will stem from uncertainty. As the parent, it is your job to comfort your child as much as possible and reassure them that everything will be okay. Many children think divorce is somehow their fault, so it is important to make sure they understand that this is not the case. It is also important to let your child know that both you and your spouse still love them very much, and that will never change.

4. Get in Touch With a New Lenox, IL Divorce Lawyer

Decisions about children are some of the most important aspects of many divorce cases. Parents may wonder how their divorce will affect their children, and while there is no one right answer, there are common behaviors that can be addressed with proper attention and action. At Wakenight & Associates, P.C., we understand that a divorce can be difficult on the entire family -- especially for the kids. Our compassionate Will County divorce attorneys can work with you throughout the divorce process to ensure that your children’s best interests are protected. Call our office today at 815-727-6144 to schedule a free consultation.

Sources:

https://www.helpguide.org/articles/parenting-family/children-and-divorce.htm

https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/help-child-divorce.html

 https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/how-raise-happy-cooperative-child/201302/8-strategies-helping-kids-adjust-divorce