Helping Your Children Cope With Your Illinois Divorce

 Posted on December 00,0000 in DuPage County divorce lawyer

If you think your divorce is stressful for you, it can be even more taxing on your children. For kids, their parents' divorce is a very confusing and tumultuous time. While it is completely normal for children to be sad, uncertain, or even angry when their parents are going through a divorce, it is important for you to understand that there are things you can do to make the change somewhat easier. Divorce is a process, not only for you but also for your children. Your job as a parent is to help your children through this process so they are able to come out on the other side stronger and more well-rounded individuals.

Breaking the News

Many parents do not know how to talk to their children about divorce, much less how to break the news to them. The way you first tell your kids about your divorce can set the tone for the entire healing process. You should tailor your conversation to your children; if they are younger, it is best to keep the message simple and sweet. If you have older children, you can provide a little more detail, but it is still important to only share the information they need to know.

Helping Them Grieve

For children, a divorce can be a big emotional loss. Your job as a parent is to help your children work through their emotions and go through the grieving process. You should listen to what your children have to say and the worries that they share with you. Acknowledge and validate their feelings by letting them be open and honest with you. Reassure your kids that you and their other parent still love them and will always be there for them, even though you are no longer together as a couple.

Giving Them Stability

It is good for children to learn how to be flexible and go with the flow, but too many changes at once can spell disaster for children. A divorce can cause upheaval in almost all aspects of your life, which is why some children have such a hard time adjusting. You can help your children by providing them with as much stability as possible. Even if you and your spouse are no longer living together, try to keep your children’s routines the same as they were before. You should also try to keep expectations, rules, and discipline consistent across households.

Contact a DuPage County Divorce Lawyer

It is not uncommon for parents to worry about their children during their divorce, but as long as you take a proactive approach to help your children cope, they will be just fine. At the Law Office of Matthew M. Williams, P.C., we understand the importance of minimizing conflict during a divorce--for your sake and your children’s sake. Child-related issues can be some of the most highly contested issues during a divorce, but having a seasoned Aurora divorce attorney on your side can help. Call our office today at 630-409-8184 to schedule a consultation.

Source:

https://www.helpguide.org/articles/parenting-family/children-and-divorce.htm