If your marriage is ending and you have children, this may even make divorce more difficult. The end of the family being together at all times can be devastating to children of all ages. Knowing specific ways that can help your children handle this transition better may be helpful if you are facing a situation of this magnitude.
Tip #1: Be open
The fact that a divorce is going to happen should never be hidden from your children. Communicating openly about what is going to happen and the changes that will be taking place is critical at this stage.
Consider having a family meeting where all of the family members can gather and discuss things as these will occur over the coming months.
Tip #2: Discuss custody
Talk to your child about custody and the parent the child prefers to live with full-time. This could play a huge role in easing the transition of divorce for your child.
Listed below are questions to consider at this time:
1. The school district where your child attends school.
2. The type of living space each parent can offer the child.
3. The desires of the child when it comes to visitation and custody.
4. The income of each of the parents.
Additionally, the judge will consider all of the things listed above, as well.
Tip #3: Avoid negative talk
It is always easy to blame the other spouse when a marriage is ending and to speak negatively about this person. However, avoid doing so in front of your child. It's important to remember that this is the child's parent, as well.
It is always possible to your child to repeat things you have said to the other parent, and this can simply make the divorce more challenging.
Tip #4: Create new activities
Most families engage in many traditions over the course of the year that may include spending the holidays together or celebrating birthdays as a family unit. Consider finding other ways to have fun on memorable days, such as going to a favorite restaurant or seeing a movie.
By creating new things to do during special times of the year, this can allow your child to cope better with significant changes.
Finally, divorce is never easy on any of the family, but children may have a harder time adjusting. Be sure to work closely with your family law attorney to find other ways to help you kids cope with a divorce. Contact a firm like Souders Law Group for more information.
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