Top 10 Ways To Help Your Children Through Divorce

• Encourage your children to talk openly about their feelings
• Emphasize that the divorce was not their fault
• Understand that your children’s behavior may reflect feelings of anger, fear, confusion, sadness and loss. Validate their feelings, allow them to be angry with you
• Be honest with your children about the finality of divorce according to what is age appropriate
• Keep your children informed about family-life changes such as moving, visitation, activities, schedules, etc.
• Remain consistent with established rules and expectations even if they are not the same in the other parent’s household.
• Make the effort to spend quality time with each child every day.
• Commit to protecting your children from being involved in parental conflict. Agree on co-parenting strategies that benefit the children
• Take all necessary steps to ensure a safe and stable home environment
• Seek professional help if your children are experiencing unresolved problems in response to your divorce

Article Submitted by:
Denise Esecson, MFT