Your divorce may cause your child to avoid hanging out with their friends, avoid doing homework or engage in destructive behavior. Nonetheless, you can take steps to protect your kid from these potential impacts of divorce.
Below are four ways you can achieve this:
1. Let them know you are united
You and the other parent dissolving the marriage is already overwhelming to your kid. Thus, avoid adding insult to injury by always arguing. When you are not on the same page, don’t let your child see it. You need to show them that you still love them and will do anything to give them a stable life.
2. Spending quality time with your child
You and the other parent should create a parenting plan that allows each to spend quality time with your kid. When you are with them, pay attention to their school work, how they behave in the house, how they socialize with friends and so forth to identify any concerning behaviors sooner.
3. Maintain certain routines
Your child going through different changes at the same time can affect them mentally. Hence, while some changes may be inevitable, try as much as possible to maintain certain routines, such as diet, chores, bedtime and family traditions. Consistency can help them cope better with their new life.
4. Talk to them regularly
Frequently check in on your child. You don’t have to be formal about this, as they may not open up. You can approach it casually. For example, when playing a board game, you can ask how they find their new life. Carefully listen to what they say and respond with love.
You may have heard or seen how divorce negatively impacts kids. But this doesn’t have to be the case. You can protect your child when you are adequately informed.