My previous article reminded divorcing parents that they should make every effort to avoid fighting in front of their children and to never manipulate their children’s emotions by using them as pawns against the other parent.
Today, I would like to continue my discussion of things parents can do to make their divorce and potential custody battle as manageable as possible for their children.
Despite the fact that it may be extremely difficult for you to communicate with your ex-spouse, you MUST resist the temptation to turn your children into messengers, or worse, spies. If you have something to discuss with the other parent, contact him or her directly and work it out.
Finally, realize that as a result of your divorce and potential child custody dispute, your children are facing major changes in their lives. In order to help them adjust, parents must keep other changes to a minimum. Avoid making adjustments to the family residence or school district. Do your best to maintain stability in areas of their lives that have not been affected by the divorce, such as sports, friends, activities, etc.
In closing, it is important that both parents frequently remind their children that you are still their parents and you will always be there for them. Continue to love, support, and encourage them, and thus help them to gradually adapt to their new lives.
