Navigating Divorce When Children are Involved

This session offers essential guidance for supporting children through divorce, featuring insights from Dr. Ayanna Abrams and Dr. Kevin Skinner. The discussion covers how to communicate effectively with children about family changes, manage the emotional impact, and foster a stable environment.

Key topics include addressing feelings of guilt, ensuring children feel loved and supported, and avoiding common pitfalls like triangulation and negative talk. Emphasis is placed on creating a supportive atmosphere that respects the child’s relationship with both parents and provides consistent routines. Strategies for navigating these challenges are explored to help ease the transition for children.

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Deep Dive

Key Takeaways

Focus on Communication

Talk openly with your child about upcoming changes, giving them a safe space to express feelings and ask questions.

Acknowledge Pain

Understand that children will experience pain and loss from divorce, but they can be supported through it.

Individual Reactions

Recognize that each child processes divorce differently; monitor their emotional cues over time.

Control What You Can

Focus on creating a stable, peaceful environment in your own home, despite external challenges.

Avoid Negative Talk

Keep children out of conflicts and refrain from speaking negatively about the other parent.

Support Without Oversharing

Be honest with children while avoiding overwhelming them with too much information.

Prioritize Stability

Provide emotional support and a consistent routine to help children adjust during the transition.

Respect Relationships

Encourage and respect your child's relationship with both parents, ensuring they feel it's okay to love both.

Make Ongoing Adjustments

Understand that adjustment and healing are continuous processes; maintain open communication and provide support as needed.

Ways Parents Can Support Their Child Through a Divorce

1. Use Open Communication
Talk openly with your child about the changes happening in the family. Provide a safe space for them to ask questions and express their feelings without fear of judgment.

2. Reassure and Affirm
Constantly remind your child that the divorce is not their fault. Affirm their worth and reassure them that they are loved and supported by both parents.

3. Create Stability
Establish consistent routines at home to create a sense of normalcy. A stable environment helps your child feel secure during the transition.

4. Respect Both Relationships
Encourage and support your child’s relationship with both parents. Let them know it’s okay to love both mom and dad without feeling conflicted.

5. Monitor and Support Emotional Health
Pay attention to your child’s emotional cues and be responsive to their needs. Ensure they have access to the emotional support they need, whether through conversations with you or professional counseling if necessary.