How parents can help children cope with divorce

Many California parents who have gone through a divorce know that the process is not only tough for them, but for their young children as well. However, there are ways that parents can make a divorce easier on their kids.

One of the most important things that parents can do to protect their children from the emotional effects of divorce is to avoid saying bad things about each other in front of the children. Parental alienation has a very harmful effect on children, especially because they know that they share characteristics with the parent who is being disparaged.

Parents should also try to keep communication between each other open for the sake of the children. Children feel more comfortable knowing that they can contact either parent at any time regardless of where the children are. Parents should try to put their own emotions aside and try to develop a good working relationship so that they can raise the children as a team.

Parents should also let their  children know that the divorce is not their fault. Some children may find ways to blame themselves for the divorce and may need reassurance that their parents still love them and always will. Children may act out because of the feelings they have about the divorce. It is important for parents to understand that it is harder for children to control their emotions than it is for adults and to recognize this type of behavior as the child’s attempt to cope with their feelings.

The end of a marriage is a difficult time for the entire family. One way to potentially make it easier is for each parent to have their respective attorneys assist in the negotiation of a parenting plan that will be in the best interests of their children.