I Am Afraid of How My Divorce Will Affect My Children. What Should I Do?

 Posted on March 13, 2023 in Divorce

For a parent getting a divorce, it is natural to feel concerned regarding how the divorce will affect your children. Between the significant change in family dynamics and the cascade of other equally relevant concerns, as a parent, you are likely wondering what steps you can take to help make this time of stress and uncertainty more tolerable, especially for your children. Today, we will discuss how you, as a parent, can help your children accept and understand this new reality. If your marriage is heading for divorce and you want to ensure your and your children’s rights are protected and advocated for, contact an experienced divorce attorney with experience in divorces involving children. Your attorney will be an invaluable asset as you navigate this tumultuous time.

Keep These Things in Mind When You Are Divorcing with Children

If you are getting a divorce and have children, keep these tips in mind as you move through the process:

• Be truthful when speaking with your children – While considering their age, try to be open and honest with your children. Explain to them why you and your spouse are getting a divorce. Emphasize that the divorce is not their fault and that they did nothing to cause the disintegration of the marriage. Avoid making any disparaging remarks about your spouse. Your children may consider any disparaging comments about your spouse to be a reflection on them, which can lead to lifelong scars on your children’s emotional psyche.
• Encourage open communication with your children – Let them express their feelings and concerns about the divorce. Listen to them without judgment and validate their feelings. Always reassure them that you and your spouse love them and will always be there for them.
• Maintain a consistent routine – Children thrive on routine and stability, particularly during times of change. Therefore, try to maintain consistency in their daily routines, such as mealtimes, bedtime, and extracurricular activities.
• Seek professional guidance – If you are struggling to manage your emotions or your children’s reactions to the divorce, consider seeking the help of a therapist or counselor. They can help you develop coping strategies and emotional support for you and your children.
• Develop and execute a parenting plan – Building a parenting plan with your soon-to-be ex-spouse is a huge part of divorce in Illinois when children are involved. Set aside any resentment toward your spouse and instead focus on your children’s well-being.

Contact a Naperville, IL Divorce Attorney

Do not feel like you and your children must go through the divorce alone. Contact the DuPage County divorce lawyers with Pesce Law Group, P.C. for compassionate legal representation. Call 630-352-2240 for a free consultation.

Source - https://childmind.org/article/supporting-kids-during-a-divorce/