Be Positive Now More Than Ever
Even if you are not the primary custodial parent in a divorce, it doesn’t mean that your responsibilities towards your children have ended. Being a positive role model is one of the most important things that you can do for your children. If you’re a parent dealing with divorce, try to remember that you are needed now more than ever.
Supportive parenting strategies can go a long way to helping children adjust to the changes brought about by divorce. Offering reassurance and a sense of stability can help ease the effects of divorce on children of all ages. The attorneys of In Law We Trust are well-versed in the challenges facing fathers during divorce. We understand not only the legal aspects, but the emotional turmoil as well. We can offer sensible suggestions about the ways you can help your children feel more secure and less anxious about all of the adjustments that inevitably occur during divorce.
Reassurance is Crucial
Children of divorcing parents need to know that while it is ok to be sad, worried, and even angry, things will get better and both parents will love them forever. They should be reassured that even if their parents have stopped loving one another, their parents will never stop loving them.
Make every effort to maintain healthy relationships with your children and try to continue to parent as you always have. If you have guilt about your divorce, don’t feel that you need to make up for that guilt by giving special gifts or by becoming more lenient. Children will feel more secure if you establish age-appropriate rules, follow through with consequences when necessary, and are firm and consistent with your parenting.
Both Parents Being Cordial is Key
Encourage your children to visit with their other parent and to call them when they have news or just to chat. Children do better if they have ample access to both parents. It is beneficial when parents keep each other informed about school, special events, and other activities that involve the children. A cordial relationship between parents is a key element to providing a positive mindset in the family.
Parental separation isn’t always the only adjustment. Many times it is the life changes such as moving or attending a new school that make divorce difficult. Once established, day-to-day consistency is of utmost importance for the children’s well-being.
Teach your children that although dealing with divorce is difficult, they have the ability to manage and cope with their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors in a productive and healthy way.
Even Afterward, Your Children Still Come First
When you do start dating after divorce, be very careful to balance your own needs for adult companionship with your children’s need for a conscientious and attentive parent. Make sure that your new relationship is serious and has staying power before introducing that person to your children.
Remember to take good care of yourself as well, and consider resources that will be beneficial to you as you adjust to divorce. Reducing your stress is instrumental in helping your children. Although initially children are likely to experience distress, anger, anxiety, and disbelief, they do bounce back as they get used to a change in their daily routine and as they grow comfortable with their new living arrangements.
If you have questions about how to help ensure the welfare of your children during the divorce process, put your mind at ease by contacting In Law We Trust Divorce and Family Lawyers We have the experience and compassion to assist you!
Call The Family Law Experts Men Trust (813) 415-3510
In Law We Trust Divorce and Family Lawyers is a premier firm of divorce lawyers representing men in family law proceedings. We are uniquely positioned to assist our clients with the challenges men face in Florida’s court system. Call us today and get the proper representation men need and deserve.