How to Help your kids with divorce

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By 5forlife
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Happy girl

Divorce is hard on everyone, make it easier on your kids.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Patience
Love
Books on divorce

Step 1

Grab a good childrens divorce book and read it to your children. There are many books out there geared towards children. These books let the child know that it is not their fault. Most of these books will address everything from Mommy's house and Daddy's house right down to Mommy or Daddy's new friends.
Step 2

Be honest with your children. The more honest you can be the more your child will understand. If you tell the child lies about the other parent you are only hurting your own relationship with your child. It might make you feel better in the moment but your child loves both of you, remember that always.
Step 3

Show your child how much you love them. Make sure that they know that even though you may not love Mommy or Daddy anymore you will always love them. You don't have to spoil the child with toys. Sitting down with your child and playing or reading with them. Getting down on your childs level and talking with them lets the child know that you care.
Step 4

Make an appointment to see a counselor. You can make an appointment for just the child and yourself or if your ex-spouse is willing he or she should come along as well. Giving your child an outside ear will help them to open up and be able to deal with feelings that they might not be able to express to you or your ex-spouse out of fear of hurting you.
Step 5

Make sure that your child knows that you are not going anywhere. That no matter what happens you will always be there for him or her.
Step 6

Allow your child to speak his or her mind in a respectful way. LISTEN to what he or she is saying. Don't listen with just your ears though their body language can tell you a lot about how they are feeling.
Step 7

Try to get along with your ex-spouse in front of the child. Reserve the name calling or arguments for times that you and he or she are alone or on the phone. Try to keep your child from ever hearing you talk badly to or about the other parent.