5 Ways to Support and Prioritize Your Child During Divorce
By Noel Crabbe – March 1, 2025
Divorce is a challenging experience for families, often bringing emotional turmoil for both parents and children. As co-parents, it's crucial to provide reassurance, empathy, and love to your children during this transitional period.
1. Understand Your Child's Perspective
Children process divorce differently based on their age and developmental stage. Listen actively to your child's feelings without interruption, observe changes in behavior that may indicate stress, and empathize by acknowledging their emotions as valid and understood. Seeing the situation through your child's eyes helps you provide better support.
2. Focus on What You Can Control
Instead of dwelling on uncertainties, concentrate on factors you can influence: maintaining a calm demeanor, keeping honest age-appropriate communication, and creating a stable home environment. Avoid speaking negatively about your co-parent, as this helps your child feel more secure.
3. Validate Your Child's Emotions
Children may experience fear, sadness, anger, confusion, or guilt during divorce. Acknowledge these feelings as normal, encourage healthy expression through talking or creative outlets, and reassure them of your love and commitment. Consider professional support if your child struggles with intense emotions.
4. Allow Your Child to Be a Child
Reassure your child that they don't need to take on adult responsibilities or worry about your well-being. Maintain regular routines, encourage participation in activities and social interactions, and ensure they have time for play and enjoyment, free from adult concerns.
5. Practice Self-Care
Taking care of your own well-being directly impacts your ability to support your child. Seek support from friends, family, or professionals, engage in stress-relief activities, and model healthy coping strategies. Remember, prioritizing your health enables you to be more present and supportive for your child.
By implementing these strategies consistently, you create a foundation of security and love, helping your child navigate the divorce with resilience and confidence in their future.