Divorce is stressful for everyone involved. It can be a confusing and challenging time for children as they learn to accept their parents are no longer together.
You should take every step possible to protect your children from the negativity that often occurs during the divorce process and after the divorce is final.
Avoid fighting in front of your kids
Keep all arguments with your ex away from your children. Do not put them in the middle or force them to choose sides. Focus on making your children feel safe and secure when they are with you.
Keep to the schedule
Whether you and your ex come up with an agreement on your own, or the court determines a parenting or custody plan for you, make every effort to stick to the schedule. Show up when expected and follow through with all exchanges as planned. Let your children know that they can trust you to be there.
Build yourself a support system
Children should not be the sounding board for all of your stress and frustration about your divorce. Do not direct your anger or unhappiness with your ex to your children. Build a network of family and friends you can turn to when you need someone to listen to you vent or complain.
Children have a lot of emotions that they do not fully understand how to deal with. Make sure your kids know they can talk to you about their concerns and anxieties about the divorce, custody or anything else that is bothering them. Make yourself a safe place for them to turn.
