Going through a divorce can be difficult for you and your children. While you may understand all the parts of your decision to divorce, your children will not have the same perspective.
Ultimately, your ex is still their parent, and they will likely continue to have a relationship with them after the divorce is finalized. It will be essential to give your children the emotional support they need as you go through the divorce process.
Here are a few things to remember to support your children during a divorce.
Answering questions
Depending on your children’s ages and personalities, they may have many questions or only a few. It is critical to talk to them about their feelings and their questions about the impact a divorce will have on the future.
However, answering their questions does not mean your children need the details. It is important to keep conversations age-appropriate and objective. While you may be ready to move on to a chapter of your life without your ex, your children should get to form their own opinion of their other parent.
Children are not therapists
Although it may seem obvious that your children cannot provide the same support as a therapist, it can feel easy to talk about your frustrations with them. In many ways, you might be going through some of the same traumas and frustrations together.
Your children may seem mature and appreciative of an ally on certain issues. Still, they are not emotionally developed enough to support you through this difficult time.
If you find that you and your children have some of the same issues that you need to talk about, it might be a good idea to consult with a professional counselor so that everyone can get the support that they need.
As you go through getting a divorce, it is important to have an advocate who can support you through the process. You should talk to a skilled professional who can help you through your divorce.
