Helping Children Cope Through Divorce
coParents agree that divorce is not an easy journey for children to navigate. Many professionals have advice for coParents on sailing through waters that can be both smooth and stormy.
The smoother the divorce, the better the end result is for the children. Mutual respect for both coParents plays a key role. And keeping in mind advice to steer children away from depression and anxiety.
WORK TOGETHER
Number one, focus on your children’s well-being. Taking the focus off of any frustration or anger with each other is advised This is the time to work together. Kids are the project and their well-being is the goal.
KEEP YOUR COOL
While with the children, coParents should try their hardest to not argue. Never ask the child to choose a parent or take sides, or use them as a tool for getting back at one another.
COMMUNICATE CLEARLY
For most coParents, there may even be discussions at the child’s school with their friends. Assuming that children will be shielded from this may be unreasonable. Communicating with your children about what is real and true. Telling your children that you understand that people do talk, Dr. Gail Saltz, associate professor of psychiatry at New York-Presbyterian Hospital. As a coParent, if your child is uncomfortable with others speaking about their parent’s split, let your child know it is okay to say, “I do not like what you are saying.”
This information offers insight by Kelly Wallace.
About Lori Denman-Underhill
