Divorce is a big issue for many families in California. One particular concern is how children will deal with the change to their families. The truth is that every child is an individual. A split will affect them all differently. That said, there are some generalizations that can be made about how children will cope and how to help them. How to help the children in a family will depend on many factors, including their age and unique level of maturity.
Facing challenges
Determining child custody and visitation can be one of the most stressful factors in any divorce. That’s true for everyone involved, whether they’re a parent or child. But stress for children can be particularly acute. Consider that when there is shared custody and visitation, it’s typically the children who have to move between residences, not their parents. Often, children need to deal with pressures that their parents may not really understand. It’s useful to try and put yourself in their shoes and think about what they’re going through.
What children need
When children are dealing with this at young ages, there are some specific things that can help make it easier for them. The first is stability. A consistent schedule can help children adjust effectively and make them feel secure. This is particularly helpful for children aged 5 and under. To do this, it’s important to communicate effectively with the other parent.
Ultimately, the divorced parents of children need to strike a balance. They need to provide warmth and understanding. At the same time, they must also prepare their children for the realities of the world. They need to give them structure and help them learn to communicate effectively with those around them.
