Supporting Your Child Through a Divorce

A divorce is a difficult thing for two partners to go through, but what is sometimes not considered is the depth of how much it can affect any children involved. Parents or primary caregivers are often seen as the core stability in the family dynamic, so when this is altered, it can turn someone’s world upside down. And when you’re a child, this can feel even more “world-ending”.

While this isn’t a good reason for parents or caregivers to stay together, how your child is going to respond and what they might internalize is something that needs to be considered with the utmost critical importance. 

So, how can you support your child through a divorce? Let’s take a look.

Communicate

While it will depend on the age of your children as to how much they understand what’s going on, communicating to them what is happening, why it is happening, and how it might change things is essential. Not only do you not want to leave your children in the dark, but if you don’t communicate exactly what’s happening, you’re leaving room for them to make up their own minds — some of which can not only be wrong, but infinitely worse for their sense of security and self-esteem. It’s crucial that they understand that they will still be loved, that life may change but you are both still 100% there for them, and that they can come to you with any questions or concerns.

Enlist Professional Help

There are several different services that can be beneficial for you in a time like this. For example, you will need a divorce lawyer that specializes in family matters, This is especially important if you are divorcing someone where things weren’t amicable, or there’s a danger to the children. All this can indeed be complex for you, so it would be wise to Learn More about this from qualified lawyers.

Working with such lawyers will help you understand the situations and accordingly share them with your children. They will help make it easier for you and your children. 

Grant Stephens Family Law is one such reputable child law specialist solicitors firm to consult with so you can choose the right ones that can see you through this painful process.

It might also be important to enlist the help of a therapist, for both you and your children. There are many different approaches, and a consultation should be able to help bring clarity to which process might be the most beneficial for each individual. Having a space where you and your children can talk freely, either together or separately, can help everyone to process what’s happening and provide the tools to deal with the journey. 

Normalize Emotions

Emotions are a part of everyday life, and despite the fact that adults throw tantrums every day, they still often criticize children for it. It might be a trying time for everyone involved. People are going to want to cry, they’re going to feel overwhelmed, and they’re going to feel frustrated. Allowing these emotions in the home is a healthy thing to do, and encouraging them means that they are less likely to be bottled up.

Empathy and patience will go a long way in a situation like this, so remember to be kind to your children and to yourself.