While a divorce may be the right option for you and your family, it does not change that separating from your spouse is a difficult time for you and your children. Despite how close your children are to you and your spouse, they can still develop a fear of abandonment.
After a divorce, kids of divorced families have a higher chance of developing mental health problems.
Shield your children from negativity
The more negativity you expose your children to, the more likely they feel unsafe throughout the divorce process and beyond. Kids who hear their parents badmouthing each other might feel like they have to take sides. Never make your children convey messages to your former partner. They should not feel like messengers.
Practice reassurance and empathy
Be there to reassure your children when they feel uncertain. Remind your kids that you and your spouse still love them and will make the same amount of time for them that you always did. Even if kids do not express the fear of abandonment, you should put forth an effort to ensure they do not feel that way.
Be open to hearing about your former spouse. Children who feel more safe expressing their emotions have a closer relationship with their parents and have less of a likelihood of fearing that their parents may abandon them.
Follow your children’s leads when determining what they need from you as a parent. Some kids may have a more difficult time than others when it comes to accepting a divorce.
