Keeping Children Supported Throughout the Divorce Process
Anyone who has gone through (or is currently going through) divorce and has children knows that one of the primary concerns is the well-being of their children and how they will get through it. Change can be especially harsh on children, especially during stages when routines are so important to their development. According to the experts, what type of response the child has can depend upon whether they are in childhood or adolescence; where divorce can sometimes increase a child’s dependence and regression, while increasing an adolescent’s independence and aggression. That being said, there are actions you can take to help provide the support that children need during times of divorce, such as: Communication Encourage your children to be honest with you and articulate what they are feeling. Be a good listener and ask questions. In addition, maintaining a good relationship with your ex and avoiding conflict can help avoid the stress that children sometimes internalize when they are exposed to that conflict, or when they feel pressured to pass messages back and forth. Children can also internalize hurt when they feel like they need to take sides and “pick” a parent’s side during times of conflict. In addition, preparing before you speak with your child about divorce, and anticipating some of the tougher questions that they might ask, can also be helpful. Some of those questions will likely address how their lives might change in terms of two separate homes, their schools, communities, friends, etc. Also, remember, it’s also ok to be honest and admit that you don’t know the answer, but you will find out, and it will be ok. There is a way to be both honest but avoid being critical of the other parent. In general, younger children tend to do better with simpler explanations, while older kids may need more details. Routines Routines can help children feel stable and remind them that they can count on you for care and structure in their lives. Some parents have even tried the process of nesting, whereby both parents keep the children in the same house and take turns living in that house (although there are pros and cons for every arrangement). Patience & Reassurance Reassure your kids that they are not responsible for the divorce, and remember that while it may seem like they have accepted the situation one day, they may still be confused the next. Remind them, throughout the discussion, that you love them, and that this hasn’t changed. Reinforce that message by being affectionate with them. Legal Assistance in Family & Divorce Law If you are dealing with a family law issue, having compassionate guidance by your side can make all the difference. Contact the HD Law Partners for a free consultation and find out how our experienced Florida family law attorneys can help answer any questions you might have and discuss next steps. Resources: psychologytoday.com/blog/surviving-your-childs-adolescence/201112/the-impact-divorce-young-children-and-adolescents wsj.com/articles/when-parents-divorce-the-children-get-the-house-1477496914 Tags: Children and Divorce, Florida Parenting Plans, Shared Parenting, Tampa Divorce Lawyer, Tampa Divorce Lawyers, Tampa Family Law Attorney, Tampa Family Law Attorneys, Timesharing Arrangements Posted in Divorce, Family Law | No Comments » Connect with us Archives May 2026 April 2026 March 2026 February 2026 January 2026 December 2025 November 2025 October 2025 September 2025 July 2025 June 2025 January 2025 January 2024 December 2023 November 2023 October 2023 September 2023 August 2023 July 2023 June 2023 May 2023 April 2023 March 2023 February 2023 January 2023 December 2022 November 2022 October 2022 September 2022 August 2022 July 2022 May 2022 April 2022 March 2022 November 2021 October 2021 September 2021 August 2021 July 2021 May 2021 April 2021 March 2021 February 2021 January 2021 December 2020 November 2020 October 2020 August 2020 July 2020 June 2020 May 2020 April 2020 March 2020 February 2020 January 2020 December 2019 November 2019 October 2019 September 2019 August 2019 July 2019 June 2019 May 2019 April 2019 March 2019 February 2019 January 2019 December 2018 November 2018 October 2018 September 2018 August 2018 July 2018 June 2018 May 2018 April 2018 March 2018 February 2018 January 2018 December 2017 November 2017 October 2017 September 2017 August 2017 July 2017 June 2017 May 2017 April 2017 March 2017 February 2017 January 2017 December 2016 November 2016 October 2016 November 13 Categories Alimony Appellate Arbitration Auto Accidents Auto Insurance Business Corporate Business Insurance Law Child Custody Child Support Criminal Law Divorce Family Law FEMA Insurance Payments Florida’s Mandatory 2‑Hour Legal Professionalism CLE: Foreclosure Defense Fort Myers Hurricane Insurance Attorney General Guardianship HD Law Partners Service HOA/Property Management Homeowners Association Homeowners Insurance Hurricane Claims Hurricane Insurance Insurance Bad Faith Insurance Claims Insurance Defense Insurance Litigation Landlord Tenant Law Enforcement Liability Loan Modifications Mold Water Damage Parental Rights Paternity Personal Injury Premises Liability Law Prenuptial Agreements Private Security Property Distribution Property Owner Law Sarasota Insurance Litigation Attorney Slip Fall Tampa Business and Corporate Attorneys tampa family attorney Tampa Insurance Attorneys Timeshare Timesharing Uncategorized HD Law Partners is proud to be your trusted full-service law firm Quick Links Property & Casualty Business & Corporate Litigation Family Law Contact Us Careers Get In Touch 2002 North Lois Avenue Suite 510 Tampa, FL 33607 813-253-5333 Contact Us