Help Your Child Adjust to Divorce

How a Divorce Attorney Can Help

After consulting with a divorce attorney who has helped you navigate your case it is important to continue to instill good practices as your child adjusts to this new way of life. Remember children who have experienced divorce are more prone to more relationship difficulties as they become adults. Divorce rates are higher for people whose parents were divorced and parents play a major role in how children adjust to a divorce. Reduce the psychological toll divorce has on children by implementing the following strategies:

Co-Parent Peacefully – Intense conflict between parents has been shown to increase children’s distress. Overt hostility, such as screaming and threatening one another has been linked to behavior problems in children.

Avoid Putting Kids in the Middle – Kids who find themselves caught in the middle are more likely to experience depression and anxiety.

Maintain Healthy Relationships – A healthy parent-child relationship has been shown to help kids develop higher self-esteem and better academic performance following divorce.

Use Consistent Discipline – Establish age-appropriate rules and follow through with consequences when necessary.

Monitor Adolescents Closely – When parents pay close attention to what teens are doing, they can reduce the chance of using substances and fewer academic problems.

Empower Your Children – Teach your child that although dealing with divorce is difficult, they have the strength to handle it.

Teach Coping Skills – Teach your child how to manage their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors in a healthy way.

Help Kids Feel Safe – Help your child feel loved, safe, and secure to reduce clinginess and also diminish the risk of mental health problems.

Seek Parent Education – Learn Co-Parenting skills and strategies to help your kids cope with the adjustments.

Get Professional Help – Reducing your stress level can be instrumental in helping your child.

Montgomery Kelley & Dennett are here to help!

Are you in need of legal assistance from a divorce attorney and live in Williamsburg, Virginia? At Montgomery, Kelley & Dennett we have decades of combined legal experience to pursue your case.