Georgia parents like you care about how your divorce impacts your child. You want what is best for them, and this includes reducing the impact of trauma divorce can bring about. But how can you do that?
There are many ways to reduce a child’s stress and ease their anxieties about divorce. Unfortunately, it is impossible to eliminate every last one. But you can combat a majority before they fester and become bigger issues.
Working together with your co-parent
Kids Health discusses the ways you can help your child through a divorce situation. A major way is by presenting a unified front with your co-parent. One of the scariest parts of divorce for many children is the instability. By showing that you and your co-parent can still work together, you provide stability instead.
This stability and security helps with your child’s mental health. Studies show that children of sole custody struggle more with depression and anxiety. They struggle to develop meaningful relationships with peers. They often clash with authority figures. Having the anchor of parents in one’s life can help avoid this.
Present information in the right way
How you present information also counts. For example, a child does not need to know the details of your divorce. But you should let them know which parent plans on moving out and what the potential custody plan and visitation schedule look like. Why? Because fear of the uncertainty can also act as a huge source of trauma for kids of divorce. Take that uncertainty away and you also remove some of the fear.
Above all else, reassure your child that you will always act on their behalf, be there for them and love them. This is the best way to help with dispelling fears and concerns.
