Four Tips for Talking About Divorce With Your Children
A divorce can have a long-lasting impact on a child. In a divorce is difficult, the negative impacts can show up in many different ways. For example, a 2014 study from the Demographic Research found that divorce can even hurt a child’s educational performance. There is no doubt that divorce can be hard for everyone involved. That being said, there are ways to make the divorce process work better for you and your children. In many cases, divorce is the most responsible option for a family. Still, you cannot leave your children in the dark regarding the divorce. You need to talk to them. Of course, having the conversation is never easy. If you are going through a divorce in Florida, please consider the following list of tips to help you discuss the issue with your kids.
- When Possible, Have the Talk As a Family
In most cases, it is best to have a calm discussion about the divorce with both parents present. Of course, this is not possible, or desirable, in every situation. However, there are benefits to having the discussion as a family. The bottom line is that a divorce does not have to mean the end of a good familial relationships.
- Use Age Appropriate Language
Divorce has a far different impact on a 15-year-old than it does a six-year-old. When having the conversation, you need to be sure that the discussion is appropriate for your child’s age and maturity level. There is no one who knows your child better than you. Use that information to prepare to discuss your divorce in a way that will best help your kid. Of course, this means that sometimes different discussions will have to take place with different children.
- Understand that Your Child Might Be Upset
It is normal for children to feel upset, confused, angry and even devastated by a divorce. Within reason, you should let your children feel and express these normal emotions. Be prepared for the fact that your children may not take the divorce conversation well. Do not get angry with your child if they are having trouble handling the divorce.
- Never Put Blame on Your Child
Finally, the most important thing to remember: Never put blame for the divorce on a child. Your children cannot be led to believe that they are the reason for the divorce. Further, they should not feel like they are a source of tension between you and your spouse. Of course, in reality, you may be in a bitter dispute with your spouse over child custody or a future child time sharing arrangement. Still, that aspect of the divorce should be kept away from your children.
Do You Need Family Law Assistance in Central Florida?
The compassionate legal team at the Law Offices of Steve W. Marsee, P.A., can help. We are dedicated to helping our clients find the solution that best protects their interests and best preserves the relationships within their family. To learn more about what our firm can do for you, please give us a call today at 407-521-7171. We are located in Orlando and serve families throughout the region, including in Winter Garden, Apopka and Lake Buena Vista.
Resource:
demographic-research.org/volumes/vol30/61/30-61.pdf
