Divorce can take a toll on your little ones. But, with your guidance, the changes, confusion or anger your child might feel can seem like less of a burden.
When you are proactive about comforting your child through the ups and downs of life, your efforts won’t go unnoticed. In a situation where your child’s whole world seems to be spinning, you can help them by providing consistency in their daily and weekly routines, allowing them to express their feelings and taking care of yourself.
Set up new routines
Once you settle into your new home and as you work out your parenting plan, try and think of ways you can replicate the routine you established in your former family home. You can do this by creating similar mealtime and bedtime regimens in both of your child’s homes. Establishing a consistent schedule, providing structure and setting household rules can provide some predictability to their day. And this predictability could translate into comfort and minimize behavioral problems.
Talk it out
Simply letting your child know you are there for them is important. This can start from the first conversation about divorce and months after the settlement. As you introduce the concept of divorce, it can help to have both parents there to let your child know that although you are separating, you will both remain in their lives. During that conversation as time goes on, you should ask your child how they are feeling mentally and emotionally as speaking on feelings may provide more relief than bottling them up.
Don’t lose yourself
Just as you should encourage your children to speak on their feelings, you should do the same. Divorce isn’t an easy process to go through. And when you take care of yourself, you might realize you can be more present for your children. You can do this is by confiding in family and friends or seeing a therapist — whatever you see fit.
No two families’ situations are the same after divorce, which is why a well-thought-out parenting plan and thoughtful conversations with your child can a long way.