A divorce or separation is a huge life change, and it’s always stressful. It’s often made worse by avoidable mistakes. As therapists, we’ve worked with many people going through these difficult times and we’ve seen just about every mistake and success.
Here is our list of the 7 most valuable parenting tips for a separation or divorce.
1. Creating a Plan
When you’re planning a separation or divorce, you need a plan. Take the time to write out the steps you need to take to make things as smooth as possible. If you have kids, involve them in the plan in an age-appropriate way.
2. Tell The Kids “It’s Not Your Fault”
Kids are highly sensitive and a separation or divorce will be extremely hard on them. It’s critical that you take the time to explain to them what has happened. Make sure they understand that the problems aren’t their fault.
3. Don’t Blame the Other Parent
One mistake some parents make is blaming the difficulty of separation on the other parent. This is a problem. Even if the separation was not smooth, your kids are under enough stress now. Making them distrustful or angry at their other parent isn’t going to help the situation.
4. Don’t Use Your Kids as Messengers
It’s likely that, during a separation, your kids will be bouncing back and forth between homes. It can be tempting to use them to convey information if you don’t want to talk to the other parent. Don’t do it. It’s too much of a burden to place on your kids, and it embroils them in a dramatic and highly emotional conflict that they don’t need to be a part of.
5. Maintain a Routine
Kids will be very fragile during a time like this, so it’s important for you to maintain as normal a routine as possible. Try to avoid changing behaviors, rules, or environments. Changing schools can be extremely hard at this time. This all goes double for younger kids.
6. Keep Your Promises
The huge life changes that accompany a split can make it hard for a kid to maintain trust. If they can’t count on their family, what can they count on? That’s why it’s so important to keep your promises with children, especially over visitation dates. You have to be a solid figure in their lives.
7. Balance Fun and Discipline
Sometimes, a split can lead to competition between parents. It’s childish, but it’s rather common. One common consequence is that one parent becomes known for giving gifts and having a good time, and not being involved in discipline and the harder side of parenting. Don’t be that person: share the load equally with the other parent.
Moving On
A divorce or separation is ultimately about moving on, and your kids will need your support through this process. Keep the focus on the children by encouraging them to accept change. Help them to see benefits in their new situation whenever possible. And of course, don’t forget to manage your own emotions with the help of friends and family.
Healing from this difficult experience can be a challenge. If you and your family are having trouble adjusting, Creating Change can assist you to navigate a new pathway to parenting. Contact us anytime on 02 8883 3185.
