Tips for Helping Your Child Adjust to Divorce

Divorce is a difficult adjustment for parents, but it’s nothing compared to what your children must face. They never asked to have two parents living in separate households, disrupted schedules, and periods of tense emotions in their daily lives.

How children react to divorce and its aftermath will vary depending on their age and personality. However, one of the factors that you can control is your attitude and approach to each situation with your children.

That being said, here are several tips for helping your children adjust to a new separation or divorce.

Remain consistent. Children thrive on consistency, so try to keep them as close as possible to their previous schedules and lifestyles. This includes keeping your children at their same school, on the same sports teams, and having consistent schedules and rules at home. If you can both agree on a similar set of bedtimes, meal times, and household rules, the structure will give your children a sense of comfort.

Always stay positive. One of the worst things you can do around children after a divorce is to speak negatively about the other parent or let them witness your arguments. Regardless of your opinion, your ex-spouse is still that child’s working mother or father. Disparaging them or fighting in front of children can give kids a strong sense of unease and eat away at their self-esteem. If you must disagree, wait until the children are out of the house or in school to have discussions.

Mind your own business. It’s natural to be curious about what your ex-spouse is doing now that you’re no longer in the picture, but your children aren’t your built-in spies. Don’t ask them who your ex is dating, what they’re spending money on or where they’re spending their free time.

Respect each other’s judgment. It’s likely that when you were married, one of you was used to making more of the child-related decisions. With a new custody arrangement, decisions are now being shared, or a parent gets to make some independent decisions when the children are in their home. As long as the children are safe and healthy, make a strong effort not to interfere with these decisions or to encroach on each other’s time.

Put your children first. Always put your children’s needs above any desire to be right or to “win.” Sometimes in a divorce, children believe that they are somehow to blame. It is now your job to put your children’s needs first and let them know that they are loved no matter what has happened with your marriage.

Protect Your Money And Your Family

We remove fear associated with divorce, protect your money & maximize time with your kids!

We're here to help. Let's determine your best options.

Call Us 24//7 at 801-685-9999 to Speak with a Live Representative

Utah Divorce FAQs
Top 100 Divorce Blog
What Clients Are Saying…
BrownLaw icon
Excellent
Brown Family Law
4.8
Based on 929 reviews
Anne and Josh are Fantastic!!
I couldn’t have done it without Nathaniel Garrabrandt and the Brown Family Law truly the best experience and people to work with thank you!!
Brown Family Law is likely the most outstanding Family Law office in Utah. They care deeply about each client, responds quickly to every client question and concerns. If anyone is in a situation of divorce and/or child custody, I highly recommend this office to assist you with your rights. They stand firmly behind their clients.
Response from the owner:Thank you, Craig.
I can’t say enough good things about Clay Randle and Katrina Redd. They were both incredibly professional, responsive, and knowledgeable throughout my case. Their experience and advice were invaluable, and I truly appreciated their support every step of the way.
Daniel was patient, efficient, professional, and kind. Brown Family Law was easy to work with and very competent. Highly recommend.
Muchas gracias, professionales. Me ayudaron con mi caso, gracias.
Leilani Whitmer was my attorney for mediation day at the provo 4th district court on May 9th and absolutely knocked it out of the park. She made the process so smooth and easy I'd recommend her for any family law issue you could possibly fathom.
Clay Randle is absolutely amazing, well educated, knowledgeable lawyer. He’s approached, always makes sure you’re on the top of the situation and very helpful. I’ve had a pleasure working with him and I recommend him as your top notch attorney.
Brown Family Law has been wonderful to work with! Extremely knowledgeable and professional. Clay went the extra effort in everything he did for us. Couldn’t be more pleased!! I highly recommend their services.
Marco is beyond insightful!
yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7

Categories