Many divorces include children. Most families are worried about the affects the divorce will have on the children. The parents are the most important people in the children's lives.
Children are usually frightened and confused by their parents divorce because it threats their security. The parents may turn to the child for comfort or direction. You have to let the children know that this is not their fault, how they are involved, or not involved and what will happen to them because most children often believe they have caused the conflict between their parents. A family's strength can help the children deal with the divorce.
Children often become more aggressive and uncooperative or withdrawal when reacting to divorce, parents should be alert to signs of distress in their child or children. Children can also experience low self-esteem and have problems with their own relationships.
Even though the parents will not live together, they need to remain involved with the children because children do best if they know their mother and father will still remain in their lives.
It is difficult to talk to children about divorce. Some suggestions to make it easier and less stressful to tell the children.
• Don't wait until the last minute
• Make sure you are with your spouse when you tell your child
• Keep the words simple
• Let the children know that you are sad and this is difficult for you as well
• Let the children know that this is not their fault
• Make sure they know that you will always be their parents and you both still love them
• Do not discuss with the child each other's problems with the children/child
If a child is to keep alive his inborn sense of wonder, he needs the companionship of at least one adult who can share it, rediscovering with him the mystery of the world we live in. ~ Rachel Carson
