The good news is that it is possible to mitigate or go a long way toward mitigating the potential impact on children’s mental health by limiting their exposure to conflict. Children dislike conflict as much as adults do. Nobody, child or otherwise, wants to find themselves caught up in a conflict between their parents or their loved ones. When they do, they often wonder what they did or what they can do to make it stop, which is not an easy load to bear.
If you are worried about your child/children’s mental health during a divorce/custody, then you may wish to consider seeking advice from a counselor. Listed below are five top tips to proactively try to protect your child/children’s mental health during a divorce/custody situation.
Watch what you say: Try not to argue in front of your children and resist the urge to “badmouth” the other parent. Let your children know that you love them, that you respect them, and that it’s not their fault.
Present a United Front: Don’t ask the children to take sides or use them as in other negotiations. It is unfair to ask them who they want to spend time with.
Get a New Routine: Once the dust settles, work with the children on a new routine as quickly as possible and stick to it. This will help the children to feel secure about their relationship with their parents.
Look After Yourself: Take time to take care of your mental health, so that you will be in a better position to support your children during difficult times. Consider reaching out to a therapist, family doctor, family, and/or friends.
Talk to School: Inform teachers of what is going on, so that they may be able to help. Make sure you are open about your communications with the children’s school to the other parent.
It’s impossible to foresee all the possible disagreements while going through a divorce or custody. Try to utilize as many resources available to you and your children to help them become effective co-parents for the benefit of your children.