If you’re about to go through the process of getting a divorce, there are a lot of things you have to consider and plan for. However, if you’re a parent, the considerations become exponentially more. But despite how civil or ugly your divorce is turning out to be, your top priority should be protecting your kids from as much emotional damage as possible. But in difficult divorces, knowing how to do this can be very difficult. To help make this a little easier on you and on your kids, here are three ways you can protect your children during a divorce.
Find A Good Attorney To Work With
One of the first steps on protecting both your children and yourself during a divorce is to find yourself a good attorney to work with. Natalie Bracco, a contributor to WorkingMother.com, shares that even if you and your spouse are very amicable during the separation process, it’s never a good idea to have no legal counsel. A good attorney will be able to make sure you and your children aren’t getting a raw deal from the divorce and that each of your voices are heard. He or she can also help you make the best decisions for your family and give you any additional resources each of you may be in need of.
Keep The Drama At A Distance
In many divorces, there are a lot of hurt feelings and drama getting thrown around. And if you’re not careful, your children could be caught right in the middle of all the fighting. For this reason, Deborah Anderson Bialis, a contributor to the Huffington Post, suggests that you keep all that drama away from your kids. Don’t share too much information with them, especially with how you’re feeling about your ex. Also, try not to ask them too many questions about their relationship and new routine with their other parent, which could make your children feel uncomfortable.
Reassure Them Constantly
With all the changes happening during your divorce, it’s not uncommon for the children to feel that their confidence is shaken and to blame themselves for some of the falling out. So to help your kids know of your love for them, Jacqueline Newman, a contributor to the New York Daily News, recommends that you constantly reassure your children of your love for them and of their innocence in whatever is going on between you and their other parent. Let them know that regardless of how good or bad their relationship gets with their other parent, you will always love them unconditionally and be there for them.
If you’re going through a divorce, consider using the tips mentioned above to help you protect your children from all a divorce entails.
