Divorce, Parents, and Children

Divorce is a very difficult time for everyone who is involved in the situation. Remembering that you are not the only one having a hard time dealing with the situation is important. Divorcing parents often shut everyone else out of their lives and only focus on themselves when they are going through a difficult divorce. After a divorce, both parents and children need the proper amount of attention to cope with this difficult issue.

Dealing with a divorce is not easy

Whether you have children or not, going through a divorce is not easy matter. Issues that are brought up because of the divorce take a lot of time, and sometimes help from others, to heal. It is not uncommon for divorcing couples to feel very alone during this time and shut themselves off from their family and friends. It is important to try to steer away from this route. In most cases, one of the greatest things that help divorcing couples with the pain of the situation is the love and attention from their family and friends. Its easy to lose hope and want to shut yourself off after a divorce, but you must always remember that there is always light at the end of the tunnel.

After a divorce don’t forget your children!

From the last paragraph we know that parents often like to shut themselves off from the outside world during or after a divorce, which can sometimes include their children. This is extremely dangerous for the emotional health and wellbeing of the children involved. It is important for the healing process that parents talk to their friends and family, but it is extremely important for children to do the same. Children are often emotionally affected by their parents going through a divorce even without being neglected by them.

Co-parenting after divorce

Even though you and your spouse have split your relationship, you must begin to form a new one as a co-parent. Your marriage may be over with your spouse but your family is not. In fact, is it often easier for co-parents to make their children a priority since marriage is out of the way. Throughout your co-parenting relationship it is important that the two of you put the best interest of your children above all else. Here are some helpful tips to effectively co-parenting your children:

• Make your children feel secure. Even though you and your co-parent may not have a stable relationship, your children will cope better if they feel secure.
• Consistency is key. Creating a consistent parenting plan allows for the whole family to get into a schedule, which is beneficial for children and parents alike.
• Be a good example for your children. Conflict between co-parents is very dangerous especially around children. Be aware of when and how you and your co-parent are arguing and keep it away from your children.
• Get your feelings out in the right places. Your children should not be burdened with your feelings toward your co-parent. Do not talk badly about your co-parent in front of them. This can cause many problems.

Hopefully these few tips can get you on the right track to successfully managing your parenting plan with your co-parent. Divorce is a very difficult thing to cope with for parents and children alike. Always be aware of your words and actions and how they might affect those around you. For more information on managing and creating an effective parenting plan please visit the OurFamilyWizard website® Divorce Parenting page.