Tips on Protecting Your Child’s Mental Health During Divorce

When you’re mired in the complexities – both legal and emotional – of divorce, it’s easy to lose sight of the big picture. The truth is that no one takes divorce harder than the involved children, and the bottom line is that they generally don’t have the emotional resources to resolve their inner conflict on their own. Fortunately, there are some tried-and-true tips that can help you help your children through this difficult time. Further, having the skilled legal guidance of an experienced Chicago divorce attorney in your corner can help to ensure that your divorce proceeds smoothly forward – minimizing the disruption to you and your children to the degree possible. 

Don’t Take an I’ll see what happens Approach

One of the most important steps you can take when it comes to protecting your children throughout the divorce process and beyond is presenting a united co-parenting front with their other parent. You and your children’s other parent may be about as far apart on the following co-parenting terms as you can possibly be:

• Parental responsibilities
• Parenting time

This does not, however, mean that you can’t leave these differences to negotiations between yourselves and continue parenting as the team you’ve always been for the sake of your children. In most cases, there is no denying that you and your soon-to-be-ex both love your children. Addressing the matter of co-parenting amicably while your divorce is pending is an excellent opportunity to present a united front that can go a long way toward soothing your children’s related anxiety. 

Don’t Sugarcoat or Mislead Your Children

You’re going to need to tell your children about the divorce, and some primary points to keep in mind when you do include all the following:

• You and your spouse telling all of your children together is ideal. If you can’t reach this lofty goal, you’ll need to improvise. 
• Use clear language that even the youngest child present can understand.
• Explain that both parents’ love for them will never change, but that specific details of your lives will be changing. 
• Use the term divorce, and do not attempt to gloss over it. Once your children catch on, their trust will be shaken, which increases stress.
• Let your children know that you will be there for them in all the ways they need you, and proceed by demonstrating this to them in every way that you can. 

Give Bad Mouthing Your Children’s Other Parent a Hard Pass 

Just as you and your divorcing spouse both love your children, your children love both of you, and hearing snide comments about either one of you not only hurts but also confuses them. Taking the high road in this capacity by making it your policy not to bad mouth your children’s other parent will serve you and them well. 

It’s Time to Consult with an Experienced Chicago Divorce Attorney

The compassionate Chicago divorce attorneys at WARD FAMILY LAW are fully committed to helping you obtain a divorce that protects your parental and financial rights – while helping to minimize the associated drama to the extent possible. Your children’s well-being is a primary concern, so please don’t wait to contact us for more information today.