Tips to Reduce Stress for Children During Divorce

 Posted on December 00,0000 in Children of divorce

Although a divorce may be exactly what you wanted, your children may not think that a divorce is a good thing. Divorce can be extremely tough on families -- especially on kids. Changes in the home, daily routines and living situations can be a big stressor to children, who very much thrive off of routine. All children react to divorce and cope with the stress of divorce differently. While some children may act out by misbehaving in school, other children may act out by reverting to habits of younger children. Divorce is difficult for everyone, but here are a few ways you can help your children cope with the inevitable stress of divorce:

Be Honest with Your Children

Especially when telling your children about the divorce, you should strive to be as honest as is appropriate. Your children deserve to know why you are getting a divorce, but you should adjust the level of detail to suit the age of your child. Younger children need simple, concise answers, while teenagers may need more detail.

Encourage Your Children to Talk About Their Feelings

This is an important step in the coping process. You should make it clear to your children that their feelings are valid and that they should talk about them. Children’s feelings often manifest into physical actions, such as misbehaving or acting out. By talking to your children about the divorce, you are teaching them that there are other outlets to relieve their stress, rather than acting out.

Reinforce a Sense of Security

It is not uncommon for children whose parents are going through a divorce to have a lowered sense of security. Though all children can experience a loss of a sense of security, younger children can especially be affected by this. Be sure to reinforce that both you and your child’s other parent are still there for them and that they will always be loved by both of you. It can also help to go over your child’s new living arrangements with them and the custody schedule.

Get Help From a DuPage County Divorce Attorney

Children can be unpredictable when it comes to their reactions to a divorce. While some children may just need some explanation, other children may need more of your time, energy and attention. At the Law Office of Matthew M. Williams, P.C., we understand that a divorce is a big life change that affects everyone in the family. Our skilled Aurora, IL divorce lawyers can help you make sure that your divorce is as easy of a transition as possible for your children. Call our office today at 630-409-8184 to schedule a consultation.

Sources:

https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/help-child-divorce.html

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

https://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2017/03/22/child-divorce_n_15538062.html