The divorce process can be challenging for anyone involved, but it can be especially difficult on children. 90% of custody disputes are resolved amicably by the parents involved. However, if you’re facing a contentious divorce and custody battle, then there are some things you can do to help your children adjust to the changes in their lives.
Create a Child Custody and Parenting Plan
As a parent, you want to do everything you can to protect your children from the stress and uncertainty of divorce. However, as a divorced parent, you also want to ensure that your children are raised in a healthy environment.
Divorcing parents should prioritize their children’s needs by working out a parenting plan that addresses everyone’s concerns. You need to consider everything from how much time each parent will spend with them to who pays for what. With a parenting plan, you won’t have to worry about whether your child will get their dental checkups before one year old. This will simply be in your parenting plan, keeping everything straight and orderly.
Stick to the Schedule
At the end of a marriage, parenting schedules can be difficult to stick to. It’s important to keep things consistent for your child, even if you cannot maintain contact with their other parent throughout the week. The most important thing is to follow through on your commitment to be there for your child daily. They will find it much simpler to readjust to the new normal if you are consistent. Is your child enrolled in any extracurriculars such as swimming? With over 10 million residential pools around the country, it’s likely! Be sure you and your ex communicate about who is going to take your children to their activities.
Avoid Bad-Mouthing Your Ex
If you’re going through a divorce, it’s important to remember that your children are still kids. They don’t need to be dragged into the drama of your relationship with their other parent. Avoid bad-mouthing your ex in front of them, and never tell them anything you wouldn’t want them repeating to the other parent.
If this is something that you struggle with, therapy or another treatment may be a good idea. Something like anger management can help you work through your problems. Ultimately, you will create a better environment for your children.
Be Honest With Your Children
When parents go through a divorce, it’s important to be honest with their children about what’s happening. Kids can sense something wrong and try to put the pieces together themselves if you don’t tell them what’s happening. They need to know that both parents love them and will continue to do so. However, if one parent is moving out, it’s also important for kids to understand that the other parent will still be around and involved in their lives.
Set Realistic Expectations of Yourself as a Parent and Role Model
Remember that you don’t have to be perfect or meet all your child’s needs. As a parent, you must set realistic expectations and admit when you’ve made mistakes or missed something important. Be honest with yourself and your kids about your challenges as a parent during this transition.
If you’re going through a divorce, parenting during that time can be a challenge. But with these tips, it doesn’t have to be. Divorce is always difficult for children and can be even more so when they’re still small. And while it’s important for parents to remain civil throughout the process, it’s also important that they don’t neglect their children’s needs.
