Going through a divorce is emotionally draining for all parties involved. This is especially true for children, who may not understand why their parents are separating in the first place. By hiring the right Hartford family lawyer, though, you can focus on your children’s well-being while your attorney focuses on your case.
The divorce lawyers at Melocowsky & Melocowsky have extensive experience practicing family law in Connecticut, and they know how to make divorce proceedings as stress-free as possible. Call 860-633-6356 to talk to a divorce attorney in Hartford today, and read on for four tips for helping your children cope with divorce:
- Express your love as often as possible.
Children do not always understand that when a parent moves away, it is not because that parent loves them any less. It is common for children’s self-esteem to plummet during divorce proceedings.
Parents.com urges spouses who are in the process of divorcing to remind their children how much they love them and to find tangible ways to express it whenever possible. That might mean showing up to every baseball game or helping out with homework in the evenings.
- Empower your children to communicate in a healthy way.
It can be challenging to get younger children to open up, but parents can encourage older kids to express their feelings in healthy ways. Empower your children by asking open-ended questions about their emotions and actually listening to their responses. By doing this, you are giving them an outlet to express their feelings and foster a safe environment in which they will want to have future discussions with you whenever they are overwhelmed.
- Do not fight in front of your children.
This is one of those tips that are easier said than done, but it’s worth making a sincere effort to avoid fighting in front of your children. This will reduce unnecessary stress on your children, and if your kids see you argue, they may believe this is a healthy or acceptable way to resolve disputes.
- Drop off your children with a smile.
Many people do not realize that acting sad about their children leaving to spend time with their other parent is a form of manipulation. Younger children are incredibly impressionable – especially when it comes to their parents’ emotions – and your sadness could prompt them to feel guilty or upset about leaving you. Most children benefit from spending quality time with both parents, so try to remain upbeat – even if you have to fake it – whenever you drop off your children with your ex-spouse.
No one gets married with the intention of divorcing, and adjusting to life without the family you thought you were going to have can be difficult. A family lawyer from Melocowsky & Melocowsky can help make the transition easier. Call 860-633-6356 to schedule a free consultation with a Hartford divorce attorney.