In any divorce, you are likely to go through an immensely difficult period of time for your emotional and mental well-being. But the same goes for your child, too, who will also experience the impact of divorce in motion along with its aftermath.
You may thus wonder: is there any way to make this impact a little lighter? Can you do anything to help your child through this time? Fortunately, the answer is yes, and the ways to do so may be easier than you expect.
Deciding how to tackle the topic
Psychology Today examines the impact divorce may have on your child. First, you should not set any expectations for how they should or should not handle it. Divorce presents itself as an unprecedented life change, likely bigger and more serious than anything your child has faced to date.
You should not base your approach entirely on what works for other people, either. After all, each child is different and will handle traumatic situations in their own unique way. You know your child better than anyone else, so you know how to tailor your approach for what may provide them the most support and reassurance.
Working with your co-parent
Next, cooperate with your co-parent. You should do so throughout the entirety of the divorce, even if you may struggle due to conflict. However, this benefits both you and your child. It provides you with the ability to monitor each other and ensure no conversation begins tipping the scales against any parent. It also lets your child know that you can maintain maturity and work to their benefit even in the face of a stressful life situation.
This provides needed stability that a child can use to help move forward after the initial shock of the news. The love you provide after can further pave the way to understanding and acceptance.
