How to Help Your Divorcing Son or Daughter

When a child gets divorced, parents as well as the couple feel the loss. Time freezes while Mom and Dad put their life on hold to lend support. My book "Your Child's Divorce: What to Expect -- What You Can Do" (Impact Publishers, fall 2006) puts a friendly arm around Moms and Dads with lots of practical advice to get them through each stage of their child's divorce.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Parents no longer have to sit on the sidelines, unsure of their role. My book "Your Child's Divorce" is chockful of tips from parents who have been there.

1. Decide what your child really needs right after the announcement. Sometimes it's a hug; sometimes it's a call to the rescue.
2. By knowing in advance your response to your child's request for financial support you can begin to establish the kind of relationship that will serve both of you once the divorce dust has settled.
3. It is possible and beneficial to create healthy boundaries should your child and grandchildren come back to the nest.
4. It's important to know when and how to "desengage" after the critical rescue period without abandoning your child who still needs your support, but in a different way.
5. Grandparenting when your child gets divorced takes special skills. You are the buoy, the stabilizer. Learn your role.
6. The parent's last job is to rebuild and refocus when family patterns change. Learn the tips how to get along with the blended family, especially stepgrandchildren.

Tips & Warnings

• check my website http://www.yourchildsdivorce.com to learn more about me and my book. This is a one-of-a-kind resource for parents who, up until now, have been the neglected audience. Your Child's Divorce is availabe at www.impactpublishers.com and online bookstores.