Guiding Your Children Through the Process of Divorce

Divorce is, tragically, a family affair, and the ones who suffer the most are the children of the couple divorcing. That couple must carefully consider the repercussions that their divorce will have on their child or children. These children feel lost and insecure when parents divorce, and don't think that just because you children are older, they will not feel it as well. Lots of children blame themselves for divorce. Parents must make the transition easy.

One of the best things that you can do for your children is to avoid fighting in front of them, particularly about issues which directly relate to the divorce, such as child support, custody and other related topics. This will only exacerbate the problems that they may have to face in the area of adjustment, and typically forces them to feel as though they need to take "sides" in the divorce.

Communication is not always at its best during divorce proceedings, or even after the fact. You must remember, however, that our children are neither messengers nor spies. If you have something to discuss with the other parent, then make direct contact, and keep it civil. In spite of how you may feel about the person, this is also the children's parent, and they still love that parent, just as they love you.

The change that divorce brings to a child's life is major and dramatic. Parents have to try to keep other changes at a minimum so the child can adjust gradually to this new life. Try to avoid changing residence or schools, at least for a while. If you are the parent who has to move out of the residence, remember to remind your child(ren) that you are still the parent and will always be there for them. Try to maintain stability in the parts of their lives that have not been touched by divorce. Making sure you keep up with child support is another important aspect of divorce. Their lives have been significantly affected by the divorce

About The Author