Children need to feel secure even during a divorce.
Crystal Lambert-Schroeder is a Vancouver, WA family attorney that is concerned about children. During a divorce she sees the stress children feel as a divorce occurs in their lives. There are a few things Crystal has found that seem to help most situations. This advice may not work for everyone, but take from it what will help you and your family.
- First try to be honest with your children. If you plan to divorce, tell your children the truth. They have a right to know why the divorce is happening, but they don’t need details which will give them visual images they don’t need to have. Pick something simple and honest say, “We can’t get along anymore.”
- Don’t be critical of your spouse. Regardless of how hurt you are, they don’t usually need to feel that negativity for their parent.
- Next make sure your children don’t feel they are responsible for what is happening. Make sure they know you both love them.
- Acknowledge that there will be changes. Maybe you are moving. Let them know. Talk about it positively. Don’t, however, overwhelm them with details. They don’t care about who is going to pay the cable bill.
- Don’t argue in front of your children.
Be patient with your children. One day they may seem to understand and accept the new situation. Other days, they may act angry and want you to continue to explain what is going to happen. This is typical.
For help with your divorce, call a compassionate Vancouver, WA family attorney. (360) 737-1473. Lambert can help.