Suffering In Silence: How Do You Help Your Children Get Through Divorce?
If you and your spouse plan to divorce soon, it can be emotionally, financially, and physically draining for everyone involved. The impending divorce can be especially devastating to your children. Here's how your divorce could potentially affect your children and what you may do to get through it:
How Can Divorce Affect Your Kids?
Like adults, children can react to bad situations in many different ways. Some of your children may act out in response to the divorce, while your other kids may suffer in silence. Each child's reaction can shape how they handle situations in the future.
Although younger children won't understand the changes in their family, older kids may understand them. Your oldest loved ones may blame one or both parents for the ending of their family unit. If your children currently live with you instead of the other parent, they may take their frustration and anger out on you. Your children may want to stay with both parents, but time and finances may interfere with this arrangement.
It's important to sit down and discuss the divorce with your oldest children. Allow your kids to open up and tell you how they feel, even if it hurts you to hear it. If your children refuse to reveal their feelings, consult with a divorce lawyer for assistance.
How Do You Help Your Children?
A divorce lawyer can help you and your children in many ways, including obtaining counseling. Family counseling allows each member of the family to discuss how they feel in private or in a group setting. Your children may benefit from one-on-one counseling sessions, especially if they have a hard time revealing their emotions. Some kids can't speak candidly or openly in front of their parents, even if they have a close relationship.
You may also ask a divorce attorney about mediation services. Mediation allows you and your divorcing spouse to develop a visitation schedule that works for everyone. For instance, the other parent may be able to spend time with the kids every other weekend. If the other parent plans to live in the same city, they may be able to pick the kids up from school several times during the week. If your kids have more contact with the other parent, they may feel better about the divorce.
If you're concerned about your children's feelings regarding the divorce, contact a law office like Lois Iannone Attorney at Law for a consultation today.