How to Find Support For Children After Divorce
Children can have a rough time during divorce. The family has been split up, and now the children are dealing with parents who no longer live in the same household, and maybe not in the same state. New roles come about, as more chores may need to be taken on due to both parents needing to work more to support separate households. There may be less emotional availability of the parents due to having to go through their own issues surrounding the divorce. This article will explore how to find support for children after parents have divorced.
- Difficulty:
- Moderate
Instructions
Things You'll Need
- internet connection and computer
- and/or
- resources from the court system
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1
Start with both parents offering emotional support for the children. When going through a divorce, the first round of support for children are parents. Be there for children. Set aside time each week for children to talk about the divorce and life in general.
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Enlist the help of family and friends. Many divorce problems must be dealt with and children may feel left out. Children can spend time with other family members. Keep children involved in family activities and events.
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3
Go through programs mandated by the court system. When filing for a divorce in some states and custody issues arise, parents are required to take parenting classes. These classes help parent help children through the divorce, by learning how to look at children's needs and interests, as well as giving insight into children's feelings. In Maryland, the classes are offered through the National Family Resiliency Center.
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In Maryland, the National Family Resiliency Center also offers classes for children going through divorce, in some counties in the State. The classes help children learn what to expect during divorce, and let the children relate by seeing that other children are facing the same issues with their families.
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Find out what other resources the courts have to offer. Many county courts have a family division, so parents can talk to a parenting coordinator for the court, or family support services so parents can see what programs are available.
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Do an internet search. Google things like SUPPORT CHILDREN DIVORCE or FIND SUPPORT CHILDREN DIVORCE. This should pull up resources such as centers that might offer classes, support groups, or counseling.
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Look in the phone book. Look in the yellow pages for family counseling or family programs. Start by looking under the topic of counseling and find counselors who work with children and families.
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Are the children experiencing real problems? If grades are going down, behaviors are getting worse, and there is either withdrawing or clinginess, the child might need more help than just a class or support group. Child counseling is available in most cities and states.
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Contact your health insurance company for a list of resources offering help for your children. This would most likely be in the form of counseling. Often, your health insurance will pay for a certain number of counseling sessions for children and parents.
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Talk to the child's teacher. Get the teachers involved by letting them know about the divorce.
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Contact the school guidance counselor. She can offer help by periodically talking to the children.
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Look for books on the subject. Books can help support the children There are many books written about the effects of divorce on children.
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Call an attorney. Many attorneys are familiar with family issues and are familiar with different resources for families going through divorce. They know what former divorcing clients went through, and often what resources were available for support for their children.
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Tips & Warnings
No matter how busy divorcing parents are, time must be made for the children. Spend at least one hour per week of alone time with each child, giving that child a chance to talk about anything.
When making decisions about custody and visitation, keep the best interests of the child in mind. Do not neglect the children's feelings.
