Tips For Making Divorce Less Stressful For Your Children
Divorce isn’t easy for anyone in the family. However, in many cases, the children will experience the most difficulty accepting that you’re getting divorced. They will feel a wide range of emotions that they may not be emotionally prepared for.
In order to help them accept and navigate the divorce process with the least amount of stress, here are some of the best tips to help you get through.
Be Reassuring
It’s not uncommon for children to blame themselves for the divorce. They may wonder if their behavior is what caused your fighting or whether they could have done anything to help.
It’s important that if they are exhibiting signs of guilt, that you sit them down and reassure them. Take the time to tell them that they are still loved and it isn’t their fault. Knowing that they aren’t to blame will help ease a lot of the pain that comes with their parents separating.
Don’t Bad Mouth The Other Parent
It’s confusing for a child to witness one of their parents talking badly about the other. Regardless of whether your ex is entirely at fault or not, bad-mouthing them will only lead to a conflict of loyalty between parents.
Never force the children to choose sides. By putting them in a position where they have to listen to negative things about the other parent, they’ll feel pressured to agree. Instead, use your precious time together to connect rather disconnect.
Maintain Old Traditions
It’s important that you uphold routine in order to give your kids a sense of security. They need to know that the only thing that will change is your relationship with their parent. They’ll still have their extracurricular activities, school, and yearly traditions. Their family will always love them.
In addition to preserving old traditions, you can create new ones. This won’t just create a fresh slate for your kids, but also for you.
Practice Self Care
It’s easy to get wrapped up in making sure the kids are well taken care of. After all, it’s your job to be the nurturer. However, don’t forget that it’s important also to give back to yourself. Take care of your own needs as well by checking in with how you’re feeling regularly.
No one said that this was going to be easy. It’s important not to be too hard on yourself. Find a support system that loves you and holds you up when you need it.
Consider Mediation
If your divorce isn’t amicable, you may want to consider hiring a professional mediator. They are there as a neutral source to help facilitate working towards peace.
It may be difficult for a while, but with enough commitment and focus, you can make it through to the other side.
