The divorce rate has dropped in recent years, but it rose slightly during and after the pandemic, with 14.56 divorces per 1,000 married women, after a peak of 22.6 per 1,000 married women in 1979. Divorce is always a challenging experience, but it can be especially difficult for children. Around 50% of kids will witness their parents’ divorce during childhood. First marriages tend to end in divorce 40-50% of the time, with subsequent marriages failing more often.
As parents, it’s essential to put your children’s emotional well-being first throughout the divorce process. If you need further help, consult with a divorce attorney. They will support the legal aspect and help you and your kids to live a more straightforward divorce process.
Here are five tips to help make your kids’ divorce process as painless as possible:
Maintain Stability and Routine While Going Through The Divorce Process
One of the most important things you can do for your children during a divorce is to maintain stability and routine in their lives. Children thrive on predictability, and the upheaval of a divorce can be deeply unsettling. Try to keep their daily schedules, activities, and living arrangements consistent. If they go to soccer practice on a Tuesday evening, let them continue going, regardless of who takes them.
This will help provide a sense of security and normalcy that can be invaluable during this tumultuous time.
Be Open and Honest About What’s Happening During Your Divorce Process
Communicating openly and honestly with your children about the divorce is essential. Answer their questions as best you can, and be bold and involve a therapist or counselor to help facilitate these conversations. Reassure them that the divorce is not their fault and that both parents still love them deeply. Encourage them to express their feelings and let them know it’s okay to be sad, scared, or angry because they will be all those things.
Avoid Putting Your Kids in the Middle of Your Divorce Process
One of the biggest mistakes parents can make during a divorce is putting their children in the middle of the conflict. Don’t bad mouth your ex-spouse in front of the kids, and never ask them to relay messages or take sides. This can be really stressful and confusing for the children, and it can damage their relationship with one or both parents – 21% of kids are raised without a father.
Maintain a United Front With Your Ex-spouse During the Divorce Process
Even though you and your ex-spouse are no longer together, it’s important to present a united front when it comes to parenting. Make sure you’re on the same page about discipline, schedules, and responsibilities, and communicate regularly to ensure consistency. This will help your children feel secure and supported, even though their family structure is changing.
Seek Professional Support From a Divorce Attorney
Divorce can be an emotionally and logistically complex process, and it’s important to seek professional support when needed. Your children will benefit from counseling to help them process their feelings and adjust to the new family dynamic.
Be sure to consult your case with a divorce attorney or mediator to ensure that the legal aspects of the divorce are handled as smoothly and efficiently as possible.
Remember, every family is different, and what works for one child may not work for another. The key is to be patient, compassionate, and responsive to your children’s individual needs.
