Posted by DivorceLine in Divorce Brings Changes – What to Expect After Divorce
Which usually includes a real sense of loss for children. Kids – and parents – grieve the loss of the kind of family they had hoped for, and children especially grieve the loss of the presence of a parent. Helping your children deal with stress will help to make the transition through the divorce process less difficult. Mourning the loss of a family is normal, but over time both you and your child will come to some sort of acceptance of the changed circumstances.
How can you decrease the stress your child feels over the changes brought on by divorce? Mainly by learning to respond to his or her expressions of emotion. Invite open and honest conversations with your children. Help your children put their feelings into words and be a good listener when they respond, even if it is difficult for you to hear. Allow them to share their emotions and be a good listener even if it is difficult for you to hear. Normalize their feelings and offer support by asking them how they think you can help them feel better.
Expect that your child’s adjustment could take a while. Some emotional and behavioral reactions to the stress of divorce last for months or even a year. Some may be much more temporary, lasting only until the situation stabilizes and a child’s routine can be re-established.
It’s also important to remember that these responses do not necessarily indicate permanent problems. Much of the time, kids’ emotional concerns following divorce are temporary if handled with sensitivity. But sometimes, children have a longer response. Being attentive to the signs your child sends about his or her feelings can help you to help your child cope with them.
