Divorce can be tough on everyone involved, including your children. Your kids may be afraid that their family is falling apart and that they are partially to blame. As a parent, it is important to make your kids’ happiness a priority and do everything you can to help them through this stressful ordeal.
Here are a few tips for raising happy kids during and after your divorce.
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Reassure your kids that the divorce is not their fault. Unfortunately, many kids assume that their parents’ divorce is their fault. They may believe that if they had behaved better, their parents may still be together. That is why you should repeatedly tell your children that your divorce had nothing to do with them. Explain that you and your ex no longer get along, but that you still love them very much.
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Avoid badmouthing your ex. If you feel bitterness and anger toward your ex, it may be tempting to call him or her every name in the book. However, before you talk poorly about your ex, think about how it will make your children feel. Hearing negative comments about their parent can make your kids feel very uncomfortable and believe they have to choose sides.
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Encourage your kids to express their emotions. Some kids bottle up their emotions during their parents’ divorce, which can actually make them feel worse. To help them avoid this, encourage your children to talk to you about how they are feeling. Listen attentively to what your children tell you and offer your support.
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Do not introduce new love interests too soon. After you get divorced, it is understandable that you want to go out and meet new people. However, you should avoid introducing new partners to your kids too soon. Wait until you are truly serious about a new partner before you arrange a meet and greet with your children.
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Do things to make yourself happy. You cannot expect your children to be happy if you are not happy yourself. Your mood can have a direct effect on your kids’ mood. Do things that make you a happier person, whether that is taking on a new hobby or spending more time with family.
Contact a Lombard, IL Divorce Attorney
If you have additional questions about your divorce, the attorneys at Mevorah & Giglio Law Offices can help. We know how stressful the process is and want to offer our assistance. Schedule a free consultation with our DuPage County divorce lawyers by calling 630-932-9100.
Source:
https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/allthemoms/2018/10/23/parents-can-help-kids-happy-after-divorce-heres-how/1675364002/