Welcome back and thanks for joining us again. We’ve been discussing the challenges that newly divorced and separated parents face when their kids go back to school after the holidays, but everything is different because the routine has changed. It can be a very challenging time for both parents and their children, but with the right approach, you can make it through this!
As we mentioned in the previous article, it’s going to be very important during this transitional time to keep your kid’s teachers informed so they understand any behavioral issues that may come up. We also addressed the importance of getting your kids the right emotional support if they need help to process, and to stick to routines to help your children feel more secure. But those aren’t the only good tips to keep in mind during this time.
Here are a few more tips to help you help your kids after the divorce:
- Be consistent and keep your promises
Whether it’s shared custody, visitation, or some other parenting time arrangement that you and your ex have devised for your family, be sure to stick to it. Your kids are going to be having difficulty with all the upheaval and change, so make sure you stick to the schedules you’ve created when it comes to drop-off and pick-up times. You probably have a lot on your plate right now, but your kids desperately need you to be reliable right now. Knowing that mom will show up when she said she would, or that dad will bring them back right when he promised, will help with that consistency that they need so badly during this time!
- Find out about support programs at your child’s school
Some schools have support programs designed for kids who are struggling with trauma and major life changes. There are numerous different kinds available, but for children who are working through a divorce in the family, there are options aimed at helping them cope. For example, the Children of Divorce Intervention Program, developed by Dr. Pedro-Carroll, has been proven to provide significant and lasting benefits for children in the wake of divorce. If your child’s school doesn’t have any kind of support program, ask about the support staff. Many schools now have a counselor, therapist or social worker on staff to help kids who are struggling.
- Keep communication lines open with your (soon-to-be) ex
Now that you and your spouse aren’t in the same home, and your kids will be moving back and forth between two homes, there are lots of little things that are likely to get lost in the shuffle until routines can be established. Making sure a kid brings their soccer shoes back from dad’s house so they can participate in practice is important. Making sure they don’t forget a homework assignment at mom’s place might be critical to their grade. So keep the communication channels open between the two of you to minimize things slipping through the cracks. It will reduce stress for you, your ex, and your kids!
Getting divorced is tough on everyone, but you’re not alone!
It’s a difficult time in life for all of you – we get it. There are going to be a lot of changes, and a lot of rough spots. But it doesn’t have to be all bad. In fact, there can be (and often is) a lot of good waiting down the road for you, if you’re willing to tough it out now. So how do you ensure that the future looks brighter and rosier? You make sure you have a great divorce lawyer on your team!
Making sure that your interests are kept front and center, and that your rights are protected is only one benefit of having the right divorce attorney. Here at The Kronzek Firm our family law team makes sure that each client’s divorce is handled as if they were handling their own – with the same attention to detail and compassion that they would want in the same situation. So call us at 866 766 5245 and make sure your divorce is handled the right way, by the right people.