Everyone copes with divorce in a different way. In many cases, children will experience emotional trauma of divorce the same way that adults do. However, it might be difficult to know how your child is managing their emotions and feelings following the divorce.
Here are 5 ways to help you determine whether or not your child is coping well:
- They are behaving and talking like they always have. Divorce can be devastating for children, which can result in a variety of negative emotions. If your child is still interacting with you, it’s a good sign. Look out for changes in mood or behavior, and address them when necessary.
- They still smile and want to spend time with you. If your child is experiencing anger, they might attempt to avoid contact with you. On the other hand, happy kids will welcome your attention and enjoy being with you, just like they did before the divorce.
- They ask you questions about the future. In many cases, children who are depressed don’t talk much and can seem disconnected from reality. Sadness is ok, but as they withdraw from the world, you’ll need to address their emotions. One way to do this is to encourage them to have conversations with you and answer their questions as honestly as possible.
- They maintain momentum at school. If you begin to notice that your child’s grades are starting to drop or they are having issues with aggression at school, you might need to become concerned. You can combat this behavior by talking with your child’s teachers and school counselors. You can also talk to your child directly in an attempt to determine how they feeling about the divorce and come up with ways to improve their emotional well-being.
- They show compassion and empathy for others. In most cases, a well –adjusted child will express their care for others. If your child is upset about the divorce, they might lose their ability to be empathetic towards the feelings of other people. If you notice this, it may be a warning sign that they are in distress.
The best way to help your children cope is to maintain your own healthy attitude about life after the divorce. Having hope and excitement for the future will keep their attitude positive.
If you are a loving parent that wants to make sure that your impending divorce is not causing your child pain, consider seeking a divorce attorney in Vancouver WA that will keep their needs at the forefront of all decisions. Attorney Crystal Lambert-Schroeder is passionate about family success. Click here to contact her today.