How to Help Your Child through a Divorce

1. Be honest…The truth may hurt but nobody wins with dishonesty. It’s better to deal with the truth now than deal with the repercussion of a lie.

2. It’s not their fault…this can often be overlooked but is important to emphasize to your children. Most children’s first reaction to news of a divorce is to blame themselves. Reassure them that their best interests were considered in making the decision, but they were not the cause of it.

3. Hear and LISTEN…you child will tell you how they feel and what they need if you keep the lines of communication open and listen to them

4. Let them know it is okay...well timed hug or affection can go a long way to let them know they will be taken care of and life will go on

5. It’s normal to want their parents to get back together…seems obvious, but many times despite being expose to the unhappiness of the marriage the child will want to erase the slate and be one happy family. Open, honest discussion as to what led to the decision and why it is the best choice will help dissuade this.

6. Reassure their safety…let them know no one will be abandoned; they still have a home and two parents to ease their minds.

7. Ask questions...Whether it is friends, family, counselors, religious advisors, physicians, etc. People who have dealt with children in this situation already have the road map for what to and not. Don’t go it alone, ask for help.

8. Don’t put your children in the middle…probably the hardest to do because it’s a natural response to become defensive in these situations. No one wins, especially the children, if they are the rope in an ugly game of tug-a-war.

9. Make & Spend time together…many of the issues/emotions/questions/concerns can be resolved with some good old TLC and attention

10. Read and research together about divorce…knowledge is power and the power of knowledge will result in a smoother transition to a peaceful life going forward

Written By: AZ Legal DocuPrep
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