How Divorced Parents Can Still Raise Happy and Healthy Children?

Divorce is never an easy process. And, if you are like most couples who are separating, you will also have to manage a large obstacle together. Your children.

Children of divorced parents will, undoubtedly, be affected by you and your former spouse separating. But there are many ways that you and your ex can ensure that it has minimal impact in the long term.

So, how do you achieve this? Here are some tips.

Play Nice!

It is very, very easy to feel resentful towards the other parent in this situation, especially if you feel that they are the reason that the relationship between the pair of you didn’t work or they cheated on you.

But you need to remember this isn’t high school, and there are young children involved who are already going to be feeling upset that their parents are no longer living together.

So, try to avoid speaking negatively about the other parent in front of the children. This can cause confusion and emotional distress for the children and can lead to long-term resentment, as this is an adult issue. If you need to vent, call a friend when your kids are at school. If you are struggling to keep your emotions in check, head to twohealthyhomes.com for advice on support.

Build a Schedule

Do you work at weekends, but your former spouse doesn’t? Would it be worth trying to sort out a schedule that you can both work around? Even in a situation where you have separated, you and your ex should try to maintain a consistent routine and schedule for the children, as this can provide stability and security.

For very young children, try to keep this routine as set in stone as you can, as this will avoid emotional distress on their end.

Try to Spend Quality Time Together

OK, so going back to a previous point, if you and your former spouse did not separate amicably, you should not be aiming to meet up to take your kids to the park or the zoo. Why? Because, more than likely, you will end up arguing with them in front of your kids. But, if possible, be sure to spend quality time with each child individually, as well as with the entire family when possible. Take the time to remind each child that you love them and that your former partner does too.

Communicate With Your Children

When you separate from your ex, it is very easy for any younger children that you have together to retreat inwards, and there may be a period where they do not speak very much. But that doesn’t mean they have nothing to say; it just means they don’t know how to articulate themselves.

Encourage open communication and listen to the children’s feelings and concerns. Keep adult themes out of these conversations and work towards making them feel better.

Seek Help

If you feel that your child or children have been deeply affected by your separation, it is always best to get help for them.

Seek support from professionals, such as a therapist or counselor, if needed, who will help them to talk about how they feel and work on their behaviors.