When you and your spouse decide that your marriage is over, the choice to divorce might come easily. If you have children, explaining the divorce and helping your child to cope with the effects of it might not be easy at all. There are several factors that our Colorado readers might like to consider when it comes to helping children cope with divorce.
Do all children need the same help?
Children will process divorce differently. Part of it depends on the child’s age. Part of it depends on other factors. Some children might begin to have trouble in school. Others might have behavioral problems, emotional troubles or social issues. As a parent, discovering what areas the child needs help in is the first step to providing the necessary support.
How long does it take for children to bounce back after the divorce?
Generally, children will work through their feelings and learn to live with the new arrangement within two years. Parents who consider the child’s needs and react appropriately to those needs are more likely to have a child who is able to cope in more appropriate manners.
How can I help my child?
Most often, both you and the child’s other parent will have to work together to help your child. Being consistent with rules, consequences and structure at both homes can help the child to adjust better. When both homes are similar in those aspects, the transition from one to the other won’t seem as big to the child.
While children will likely have some negative reactions to the divorce, learning how to nurture the positive reactions and work through the negative reactions can help you and your child to grow emotionally after the divorce. That will also help to provide open lines of communication and stability that can help your child thrive.
Source: HealthyChildren.org, “How to Support Children after Their Parents Separate or Divorce” accessed Mar. 03, 2015
