The Effects of Divorce on Young Children Can Be Devastating
Children of divorcing, or already divorced, parents often respond to the separation with guilt and confusion. Children also tend to personalize the situation, assuming that because their parents stopped loving each other, they can also stop loving their children. No one wants their children to suffer such negative emotions. If you are considering a divorce and need assistance with helping your young children through the process, it is beneficial to seek professional help. The Law Offices of Claudia J. Zucker in Arlington, VA offer divorce legal and advising services to families going through this difficult time. This might be your very first time going through a divorce, but it is not ours. Attorney Zucker has decades of experience helping countless families in Virginia get to the other side of divorce, and on the path to a fresh start in life. Contact our divorce law firm in Arlington to learn more about helping the whole family deal with the divorce and post-divorce process.
Ways to Help Young Children Understand and Accept Divorce
Young children are so confused by divorce, that they might wonder who will take care of them or where they will live. It can be deeply saddening to witness your child harbor such confusion and angst. There are methods that, in our extensive experience as a family law firm, we recommend using to ease a child’s mind during your divorce. If you are concerned for the mental, emotional well-being of your young children during your divorce, consider the following:
- Tell your children often that they are loved by you and your ex-spouse
- Explain to your children that you are still a family
- Explain that they will continue to be cared for completely
- An attorney or therapist can help you come up with a simple story that explains why the divorce happened, and that it is not the children’s fault
- Show respect towards your ex-spouse in front of your children
- Spend lots of time with your kids
Through out the divorce and afterwards, it is imperative that parents set aside time everyday to ask the children how they feel, and talk with them about their emotions. Again, remind them during these conversations that they are loved and are not at fault. It is very important to conduct difficult conversations with your ex-spouse when children are not present. Additionally, it is damaging to the children to criticize the other parent in front of them, so they do not feel pressure to take sides. This may seem beneficial, especially if you are not on good terms with your ex, but experienced family attorneys and counselors know this inevitably backfires, damaging the child’s ability to rationalize the divorce.
Contact Us – Family and Divorce Law Firm in Virginia
It is without doubt that an experienced attorney can greatly reduce energy given to a divorce. The family and divorce law office of Claudia J. Zucker in Arlington County, VA is experienced and ready to help you. Call (703) 596-1005 to learn more or schedule an appointment.
