Helping kids with divorce-related transitions

A divorce triggers many life transitions or changes in daily routines for the divorcing individuals and their entire family, especially their children. The way in which these transitions progress could affect the couple’s children in many ways. It is important for divorcing parents to help such transitions go as smoothly as possible for their kids.

One thing parents can do to try to help with the transition, is to keep consistent household routines for the kids. All changes connected to a divorce can be disorienting for a child. Giving a child some stability, such as routine stability, could give them a greater sense of security and help them adjust to the things that are changing.

Another thing parents can do to try to make the transition of a divorce easier for their kids is to reach out for help. This could include taking co-parenting classes. It can also include reaching out to others, such as counselors or loved ones, for emotional help and support.

The more a parent is comfortable with and prepared for the transitions of a divorce and the various aspects of co-parenting, the more energy they could have for putting towards helping their kids with these transitions.

The last, but not the least, important resource for parents, is their attorney. Yes, they should consult with one. Yes, the legal advice and decisions can impact the transition.

For example, consider the terms of the custody arrangement. In these agreements, parents can set clear expectations related to custody and visitation issues and tailor terms to their unique family situation.

Setting expectations and tailoring terms can create greater consistency for the kids and help reduce the chances of co-parenting-related conflicts between parents. Of course, this can be a daunting and confusing task. The attorney has the training and experience necessary to make the agreement complete, spot potential issues that parents may miss and ensure that the language is clear.

Source: Momoha, “Tips for helping your child cope with divorce,” Laura Kelley, June 1, 2017