Helping Your Children Through Divorce

Divorce is very hard on everyone involved. This is especially true with children. Though we all hope that they will adjust just fine, it does come with many challenges, depending on their ages. When you have custody of your children, it is your responsibility to help them get through the healing process, even if you are struggling too.

Here are some tips to help your children cope with the divorce.

Talk to your children about the divorce. Make sure they know the divorce is not their fault. Let them talk to you about their feelings and be sure to carefully listen to them. Let them ask questions and really try to answer them the best you can.
Encourage your children to talk to you anytime. Many children, especially teenagers, will bottle up their feelings. Make sure your children know you are available to talk to them. Let them know that you will listen to them, no matter what they have to say, even if they think it will hurt your feelings. Be sure to listen to them closely and ask questions.
Find a new way to get along with your ex. You are going to have to deal with your ex for many years regarding your children. You do not have to be friends, but you can’t argue in front of the children. Instead, you are going to have to be civil with each other. You are going to have to learn to discuss the children together.
As soon as possible, you are going to need to set a new routine. Children do best with a routine. Both houses need to follow the same routine as closely as possible. This will make the transition a little easier. You should also try to have the same rules and punishments at both homes so the children know how they are supposed to behave.

Divorce is hard on children so you need to talk to them about it. You also need to really listen to them, no matter how hard it is. Encourage your children to talk to you about anything. You really need to find a way to get along with your ex for the sake of your children. It will make the next few years a little easier.