Helping Your Child Through a Divorce

In my latest Bully Dog book, A Penny in Time, the main character Dusty struggles to process her parents recent divorce and how to deal with her father's new girlfriend. Divorce is a stressful event for all involved but especially for children (even teens) who do not yet understand the complexities of adult relationships.

Parents in the midst of a divorce can help their children through the process. Here's an interesting article I found at KidsHealth.org with helpful suggestions on breaking the news, dealing with your child's reactions, and maintaining consistency. Read the entire article on the KidsHealth.org website>>


KidsHealth.org: Helping Your Child Through a Divorce 

Thousands of kids experience the stress of divorce each year. How they'll react depends on their age, personality, and the particular circumstances of the separation and divorce process.

Every divorce will have an effect on the kids involved — and many times the initial reaction is one of shock, sadness, frustration, anger, or worry. But kids can also come out of it better able to cope with stress, and many become more flexible, tolerant young adults.

The most important things that both parents can do to help kids through this difficult time are:

• Keep visible conflict, heated discussions, and legal talk away from the kids.
• Minimize the disruptions to kids' daily routines.
• Confine negativity and blame about each other to private therapy sessions or conversations with friends outside the home.
• Keep each parent involved in the kids' lives.

Most adults going through separation and divorce need support — from friends, professionals, clergy, and family. Don't seek support from your kids, even if they seem to want you to.

Read the entire article on the KidsHealth.org website>>