Divorce is one of the most stressful life experiences that a person can go through. Adults have a difficult enough time coping with divorce, but children who do not fully understand the situation can have an even harder time coping with the huge changes that come with divorce. Children often feel as if their entire world is changing when their parents divorce, and they may react with mood or behavioral issues, which can be both frustrating and saddening for parents. While you cannot change the way that your child feels, you can teach them healthy ways of coping with their feelings.
How You Can Help Your Children
Children experience divorce differently than adults, and it can be difficult for them to cope with the stresses that come with it, especially if they have not yet developed any coping mechanisms of their own. Here are a few things you can do to help your child with this life change:
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Make your conversations age-appropriate. Children understand things differently depending on their age and maturity level. Younger children will not be able to understand the complexities of the divorce, while older children may want to know specific details. You do not have to tell your children every last detail of your divorce, but you should try to give them enough information to make sense of the situation.
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Encourage your child to talk about their feelings. Your child is likely feeling emotions that they have never experienced before. This can be overwhelming for children, but talking with them about those feelings can help them understand them.
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Try to be amicable with your child’s other parent. The biggest source of stress for children during a divorce is usually conflict between parents. Your child loves both of you equally, and it can be upsetting to see you fighting with each other. Your child may feel as if they have done something wrong, even if the conflict does not necessarily concern them.
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Let your child know that they are loved. The single most important thing you can do to help your child during your divorce is let them know that they are loved. As previously mentioned, your child may feel responsible for your unhappiness, but it is important that you let them know that they are still loved just as much by both you and their other parent.
Contact Our McHenry County Divorce Lawyers Today
The divorce process can be stressful, especially if you and your soon-to-be ex cannot get along. At Botto Gilbert Lancaster, PC, our goal is to help you through your divorce with as little stress as possible. Our skilled and compassionate Crystal Lake, IL divorce attorneys have more than 30 years of experience working with families to find creative solutions to their issues. Call our office today at 815-338-3838 to discuss your case and schedule a free consultation.
Sources:
https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/help-child-divorce.html