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How Do I Talk to My Children After Separation & Divorce?
Following these strategies have helped our family law clients to move through the difficult process of relationship breakdowns, legal issues and move on to grow their future. Finding a lawyer with a holistic strategy and focus on collaboration, negotiation and settlement will also lessen the impact of separation both emotionally, psychologically and financially.
Talk to one of our experienced lawyers today to see how we can help you.
The hardest part of the family breakdown is the effect it has on children. Nothing is more heartbreaking then watching children struggle through emotional upheaval of separation and divorce.
We encourage our clients to maintain open lines of communication with children in an age appropriate manner to help them process and deal with the significant changes to the family unit.
Some children adapt well and others struggle and require additional expert assistance. How the parents communicate with their children and support them throughout this time can affect how they respond. Here are 4 strategies to assist you to communicate, reassure and provide your children with the stability they need during this difficult process.
Firstly: Listen, comfort and reassure
Make sure they know that the separation is not their fault. Be compassionate and caring, but firm in your response. This should be a united position with both parents delivering the same consistent message.
Secondly: Keep their routine
Maintaining routines is one of the best things that can be done when separating. Keep that stability – the family unit may no longer be intact but you can maintain their daily routine and their responsibilities. Ensure routines are maintained consistently in both households.
Thirdly: Don’t involve your children in the conflict
Don’t argue or talk negatively about the other parent around or in hearing distance of the children. Remember that the despite the fact you are no longer together, the other party is still their parent and the children still love and care for them.
Lastly: Let them know you are there for them
Be their comfort, be reliable, make and keep realistic promises and be consistent. Give them space when they need it and comfort them when they need reassurance.
The children’s best interests are the paramount consideration under the family law act, as is the benefit of children having a meaningful relationship with both parents. As your family lawyers we can help you navigate through the breakdown of your relationship in a collaborative way focussing on negotiations and settlement to minimise the impact on your children.
Call us to discuss how we can help you.