Minimizing the Effects of Divorce on Children

Divorce can be an extremely stressful event for children. They often feel responsible for the divorce and worry about their parents’ love, finances, and lifestyle. As a parent, it’s important to be honest with your children about what happened between you and your spouse while keeping their best interests in mind. 

Children are observant and can pick up easily on the tension between their parents. Because of this, minimizing the effect of the divorce on your children can be difficult but important for their health. Here are some steps you can take for your children. 

Arrange Visitation to Minimize Effects

One of the most important steps you can take is to arrange visitation schedules wisely. The best plan for visitation schedules is one that minimizes disruptions. 

For example, if both parents work full-time jobs and share custody of the children equally, then sharing time on the weekends or alternating weeks during the weekend can minimize disruptions. This may be easier for your children rather than alternating between homes during the week.

Tips for Minimizing Stress 

When you’re seeking a divorce, your focus may be on bigger issues like custody, child support, and visitation rights. But in many cases, taking little steps can make a big difference for your children. With the right attention and support, you can help your children overcome the stress and difficulties of a divorce. 

If you’re concerned about the mental health and well-being of your children during this difficult time, here are a few steps you can take to minimize stress on your children: 

• Keep a Consistent Routine – Divorce can cause many changes in family routines, including meal times, holidays, and spending time with grandparents. Make sure that your child has a routine that includes family time as well as activities they enjoy, such as sports or music lessons.
• Keep Children Out of Disagreements – Children should not be dragged into adult issues, so keep them away from disagreements and discussions about property division or child custody. And if you want to leave an angry message for your ex-spouse, don’t leave it on his or her voicemail where children can hear it.
• Stay Calm – Children learn by watching their parents’ behavior and mimicking it. If they see their parent losing control over their emotions, they may do the same thing. Speaking ill of your ex-spouse can also lead to discomfort for your children. 

A Divorce Attorney Specializing in Family Law

Making your children feel supported during this process is essential. With your support, they can face this situation and grow up without the more severe stress a divorce can cause. Children are resilient and adaptable. They can handle changes in their lives, but the more supportive you are as a parent, the better they will handle these changes.

As a California family law specialist, The Law Office of Laurence J. Brock will guide you through the divorce process, which will help with your stress and with the stress placed on children. Call 909-466-7661 or chat with us online for a consultation.