One of the potential problems with divorce is that it is going to interrupt a child’s schedule and other parts of their life that they once thought of as relatively concrete. They spend more time in the car. They have two new homes to adjust to. They no longer live near their friends.
From a parent’s perspective, it’s still easy to give a child a healthy and engaging upbringing, despite these changes. From a child’s perspective, though, this massive shift in daily life can make them feel nervous, anxious and worried. How do you combat this and make them feel safe and secure?
5 ways you can help
Security is important to children, for whom the world seems very large and intimidating. You can provide this to them after divorce by:
- Keeping them in the same school, where their friends already go.
- Keeping their schedule the same as it was before the divorce in terms of after-school activities and the like.
- Doubling up on favorite toys, books and other items, so they have copies at your home and your ex’s home.
- Spending quality time with them when you have custody.
- Talking to them about their feelings so that they know you’re there for them, you understand how this feels on their end and you want to help.
Often, it just takes time for children to adjust, and then things shift back to normal. As you consider your custody schedule and parenting plan, think carefully about the legal options you have to make it work for your child above all else.