A divorce or separation is a huge life change, and it’s always stressful for the family. Especially if it falls around Christmas time. 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, which will help you plan with your children and family;
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 for your family. If you have kids, involve them in the plan in an age-appropriate way.
2. Tell The Children “It’s Not Your Fault”
Children 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 not the best approach. Even if the separation was not smooth, your children and family 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 Children as Messengers
It’s likely that during a separation, your children 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. We don’t recommend doing this. It’s too much of a burden to place on your children, and it embroils them in a dramatic and highly emotional conflict that they should be removed from.
5. Maintain a Routine
Children will be very fragile during a time like this, so it’s important for you to maintain as normal a routine as possible for the family. Try to avoid changing behaviors, rules, or environments. Changing schools can be extremely hard at this time. This all goes double for younger children.
6. Keep Your Promises
The huge life changes that accompany a split can make it hard for children 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 or the harder side of parenting. Don’t be that person: share the load equally with the other parent to make it easier on your children and the family.
Moving On
A divorce or separation is ultimately about moving on, and your children 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 Psychology and Counselling can assist you to navigate a new pathway to parenting.
Our Relationship Counsellor Mrs Nazmin Khan is available to assist with couples going through these tough times. Contact us to make an appointment or for more information.
Written by Nazmin Khan - Relationship Counsellor - www.creatingchange.net.au Creating Change services the Hills District - Bella Vista, Rouse Hill, Kellyville, Castle Hill, Quakers Hill, Blacktown, Glenwood, Winston Hills, Glenhaven, Box Hill and surrounding suburbs
