How to support your kids through divorce

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Today we chat to family lawyer Carolyn Devries the CEO at New Way Lawyers to advise us on how best to support your kids through divorce.

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How to support your kids through divorce 

Divorce can be a difficult process, not only for adults but also for children. During a divorce, it is important to have a support system in place to protect your children from any impact on their security and emotional wellbeing. Here are some ways to support your children through divorce:

Talk to them

Children are a lot more perceptive and understanding than we may think and are often wise beyond their years. However, it is still important to explain to children what is going on in a way that is appropriate for their age.

Children will experience a range of emotions so ensuring honesty and transparency allows them to navigate the process, feeling as included and supported as possible.

Never blame them

Whether or not children were a reason for your relationship heading off track, never let them know that. Ensuring your child knows that the relationship ended because of two adults having different wants and needs, will help them not to feel they are responsible for the relationship breakdown.  

It can be common to see children trying to help their parents stay or get back together. Being honest and letting the children know this isn’t possible is important and avoids false hope.

Check in on them

Divorce can be a difficult and long process. Once you break the news of divorce to your children, it can take many months for it to be finalised. Ensuring you continue to check in on your children’s wellbeing, emotional and mental health can assist them in feeling supported through the process. They may have ups and downs and good days and bad days.

Advise the school

In confidence, advise your children’s teachers of your divorce. Having the school aware of their home life means they can look out for any extra support your children might need as well as a change of approach to their behaviour when necessary. 

Educate Yourself

There are many parenting courses available, including courses specifically for parents going through separation and divorce. Post separation parenting courses can be helpful in providing information which allows you to support your children and provides  tips for how to minimise tension and conflict and successfully co-parent.

Access legal support

Ensuring that the legal aspects of your separation or divorce are managed well is not only important for your mental capacity to support your children but it also secures your child’s future and their needs. 

Carolyn Devries is the CEO at New Way Lawyers

NOTE: The advice shared via our experts and coaches is general advice and is never a replacement for speaking to a professional.

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