Five Things A Child Of Divorce Needs

What are the top five things your child needs you to do now that you have decided to divorce?

Take care of yourself.

A divorcing parent is often a very busy parent. Add to that dealing with the pain everyone is feeling, the legal process of a divorce, and the changes in what were your normal everyday routines and you have stress. Because of this, you need to pay very close attention to your health – both mental and physical.

Get a check up. Ask your doctor for some ways to stay healthy. Simple things like taking a vitamin everyday will help. Talk to a professional about what is going on in your life. Get some coping strategies for your everyday stress along with some for the stress the divorce is causing. The more you take care of you, the better you’ll be able to take care of your children.

Be available.

Whether it’s to listen, comfort, or take a little of their wrath, be there for your child. Your child needs your attention and your time. This will not come automatically, you will need to find the time for them and make it a regular occurrence. Sit down and have a family meal – every night. Ask them how their day was and listen to the answer. Remember your goodnights and good-mornings. Schedule some one-on-one time with each of your children at least once a month.

Stay consistent in discipline, routines, and relationships.

Try and be a unified front with your ex-spouse. Try to agree on what is allowed, and what isn’t. If this cannot be done, set your rules and limits and keep them consistent in your household.

Daily and weekly routines are a godsend if you have them or are able to create them. They save time and reduce stress. Children of divorced couples are often very stressed when their parents...read more about what your child needs