Divorce is hard on children in many ways. It can frighten them, disrupt their lives and cause them to worry about adult topics instead of enjoying their childhood.
Like most parents, you may be concerned about how your divorce might affect your children. Although you probably cannot stop it from impacting your kids, the tips below may help you minimize the unpleasant effects of divorce.
Don’t hide your divorce
Kids don’t need to know the adult details of a divorce, but explaining the situation in age-appropriate language may relieve some of their worries. It is usually best for both parents to tell the kids about the divorce when possible.
Give your kids reassurance
Many children believe they may have done something that led to the breakup of their parents. Let your kids know early on that they did nothing wrong and that the divorce is not their fault.
Maintain routine and stability
Since you cannot prevent some things from changing in the day-to-day life of your kids during and after the divorce (living arrangements, etc.), provide as much routine consistency as possible. Doing so may help them feel more secure and stable during a monumental change.
Encourage self-expression
Your children are going through an emotionally turbulent experience. Urge them to express their emotions and let them know that feeling sad, angry or afraid is okay. Help them find healthy ways to verbalize their emotions instead of suppressing them.
Explore parenting time options
Dependable parenting time arrangements may reduce the negative impact of divorce on your children and perhaps improve their sense of stability. Exploring Pennsylvania’s child-related family laws can guide you in making decisions that protect your kids and encourage them to thrive.