5 Tips For Preparing Your Child For Divorce
Facing a divorce can be difficult for the parents and any children who are part of the family unit, as well. As the parents, it is up to you to help your child cope with this difficult situation. Knowing specific tips that can help ease the emotional pain for a young family member when a marriage is ending is important to all of the parties who are involved.
Tip #1: Be open
Talk to your child about what is going to happen at all of the stages in this situation. As soon as you know a divorce is imminent, it's ideal to have a one-on-one talk with your child.
By communicating openly, this can help the child have an easier understanding of the potential changes that may occur.
Tip #2: Avoid negative talk
It's important to not say negative things about the other spouse to your child. Remember, no matter how strongly you may feel about a certain situation, it is in the child's best interest to maintain a positive image of both parents.
Tip #3: Set new traditions
Certain times of the year may be much more difficult for your child than others. For instance, birthdays and holidays can bring back memories of the entire family being together.
Work to create new traditions by doing new things that a child may enjoy. This could include visiting the child's favorite restaurant, going shopping or seeing a movie together.
Tip #4: Be up front
Living arrangements may certainly change, and it's important for the child's benefit to disclose where the child will be living. You may want to strongly consider the preference of the child when your marriage is ending.
By establishing when and where the child will stay after the divorce, this can help ease some of the tension that accompanies this difficult family situation..
Tip #5: Consider counseling
If your child continues to have a difficult time adjusting to the end of your marriage, talk to a professional. Enlisting the help of a counselor could decrease the amount of emotional distress that your child is feeling and may aid in recovering from this devastating event sooner, rather than later.
Finally, taking the time to work with your children during this stage of life is important. Don't neglect to talk to your divorce attorney about additional ideas that can help ease this transition for your child as much as possible to avoid long-term problems.