Divorce creates large changes and emotional turmoil in a young child’s life. Change, positive or negative, is difficult to accept at any age, regardless of the circumstances. Throughout divorce young children need the love and support of the adult’s in their lives more than ever.
Here are a few suggestions to help families navigate the troubled waters of separation &/or divorce.
· Talk to your child honestly, in simple age appropriate terms about the divorce. Keep the conversation brief, but expect to have more conversations in the future. Answer any questions your child has as truthfully as possible.
· Remind your child that they are not at fault, nor did they cause the divorce. Young children have a strong tendency to internalize feelings and blame themselves. Frequently remind your children that divorce is an adult problem and a decision that parents make. Do not blame your child.
· Provide daily routine and consistency such as school and friendships. Your children will be relying on the familiar in their young lives as change and turmoil are introduced. Emphasize and remind your child what will remain the same as they will be overly focused on their experience of change.
· Be supportive and positive toward the other parent. Despite the anger and misunderstandings between you and your spouse that led to the divorce proceedings, it is tantamount that you do not shed the other parent in negative light. If you are negative or derogatory about your former spouse, your children’s self-esteem will also be negatively affected.
Here are a few suggestions to help families navigate the troubled waters of separation &/or divorce.
· Talk to your child honestly, in simple age appropriate terms about the divorce. Keep the conversation brief, but expect to have more conversations in the future. Answer any questions your child has as truthfully as possible.
· Remind your child that they are not at fault, nor did they cause the divorce. Young children have a strong tendency to internalize feelings and blame themselves. Frequently remind your children that divorce is an adult problem and a decision that parents make. Do not blame your child.
· Provide daily routine and consistency such as school and friendships. Your children will be relying on the familiar in their young lives as change and turmoil are introduced. Emphasize and remind your child what will remain the same as they will be overly focused on their experience of change.
· Be supportive and positive toward the other parent. Despite the anger and misunderstandings between you and your spouse that led to the divorce proceedings, it is tantamount that you do not shed the other parent in negative light. If you are negative or derogatory about your former spouse, your children’s self-esteem will also be negatively affected.