It can be impossible to completely shield your child from the effects of divorce, seeing that their life is about to change. Not growing up with their parents in the same household and moving between two homes can result in emotional challenges.
Nonetheless, you can minimize the impacts of divorce on your child. Here is how you can do this:
1. Let them express their feelings
Encourage your child to talk about their feelings and let them know it’s okay to have such emotions. When you do this, they get to process their feelings instead of piling them up. Accordingly, they can cope with the situation, and with time, they can accept their new reality.
Your child suppressing their emotions can substantially affect them. They may experience stress and anxiety, which can make them withdraw socially, engage in destructive behavior or perform poorly in school.
2. Allow your child to spend time with each parent
Whether you and your soon-to-be ex-spouse remain in the family home or one of you moves out during the divorce, your child should spend quality time with each of you if possible. You can have a temporary parenting plan to use during this period. When your child spends time with both parents, they can maintain a sense of family.
3. Avoid speaking negatively about the other parent
You should not speak negatively about the other parent to or around your child. If they ask questions about the other parent, respond respectfully. Do not blame your spouse for the divorce or use statements that undermine their character or parenting. You want your child to have a healthy relationship with both of you.
It’s crucial to know how you can save your child from the potential impacts of divorce. Get more information to protect your child’s future and interests.