Divorce can be extremely traumatic for a couple, but the impact is greater on children who may not always understand the separation and why it happened.
One of the emotional effects of divorce on children is feelings of abandonment. They worry about losing contact with their noncustodial parent. They often fear the massive changes that come with divorce.
Moreover, children may not fully understand the reasoning behind the divorce, leading to thoughts of one parent abandoning them. Here are some ways you can help your children cope with these feelings.
Foster open communication
Children don’t always know how to express their feelings, which is why open communication is so important. Encourage them to talk about their thoughts and feelings, then validate their emotions by telling them it’s okay to feel upset or confused about the loss of their other parent.
Maintain a routine
Kids thrive in consistency and routine, and a major disruption can make them lose their sense of security. Create a stable environment with predictable routines to reduce their anxiety about major changes in the family’s life.
Avoid talking negatively about the other parent
Badmouthing your ex can make feelings of abandonment worse. Children naturally love both parents and hearing negative things about the other one can create internal conflict. It can also reduce their trust in both parents, which can heighten their sense of insecurity.
Kids need constant support and reassurance
The separation of parents comes with inevitable challenges for children, but there are many ways you can help them cope. With proper support and communication, you can give them the tools they need to adjust accordingly as the family transitions to a new chapter.