By Madlen Pashinian
Divorce can be sad, confusing, and stressful for children of any age. They may feel angry with their parents, and even angry with themselves. It can be though for them to really talk about what they are experiencing internally, because they may feel that they don’t want to burden others with their feelings and therefore make things worse. Some children may even blame themselves for the divorce or not being able to stop it from happening.
As a parent, it can be really difficult to know the correct way to support your children during such a time, especially because these parents are also going through tough times. The good news is these parents CAN successfully help their children during these distressing time, and they can still help their kids still feel loved and confident.
Here are some quick tips on helping kids adjust to a divorce.
Divorce can be sad, confusing, and stressful for children of any age. They may feel angry with their parents, and even angry with themselves. It can be though for them to really talk about what they are experiencing internally, because they may feel that they don’t want to burden others with their feelings and therefore make things worse. Some children may even blame themselves for the divorce or not being able to stop it from happening.
As a parent, it can be really difficult to know the correct way to support your children during such a time, especially because these parents are also going through tough times. The good news is these parents CAN successfully help their children during these distressing time, and they can still help their kids still feel loved and confident.
Here are some quick tips on helping kids adjust to a divorce.
- Don’t be afraid to sit and talk to your children about what is happening, but not in an aggressive manner where you blame your ex-spouse for the divorce. This will only cause your children to withdraw and feel shame for caring about their other parent.
- Remind your kids how much you love and care for them and let them know that can come to you with questions and concerns.
- Don’t give out too much information, make sure what you tell them is age appropriate.
- Do give enough information where the child understands that divorce happens to many families and they care still loved by their families.
- Do encourage them to talk to you, and really listen to what their concerns may be, and clarify and misunderstandings that they may have in a caring and supportive manner.