When it comes to a divorce, one aspect to remember is that breaking the initial news to children is not the only important conversation you should have with them. Especially with younger children, the conversation should be ongoing and the news may be more fully digested when broken down into multiple pieces.
A very important consideration is that the children know that the divorce is not their fault. Younger children especially will have a tendency to blame themselves and think that if they had not argued with their siblings, or done more chores, then the divorce would not happen.
Children, like adults, manifest the classic stages of guilt at the news of an impending divorce. These stages are: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. Some children may also feel a sense of relief, which can also create guilt.
In addition to learning that the divorce is not their fault, children should understand that separation is a grown-up problem and the adults will work out this problem with the best result for the children.
Children should also be reminded that parents will always be there for them no matter what and that their relationship with extended family members will remain just as important as before.
Since the first stage of any grieving process is denial, it makes sense that children should be reminded in doses about the reality of the separation. Parents should be aware that sometimes children will put pressure on themselves to try and help to reconcile the relationship. Parents should try to be good listeners in this respect and respond accordingly to their children’s individual concerns.
Share Your Child Custody Plan With Your Children
As attorneys, we can assist with the child custody arrangement. Once this is decided, parents should be as clear as possible with children about the details of the arrangement, and, where possible and age appropriate, offer children some choices. Choices should be offered carefully, though, since children should never be put in a position to make an adult decision.
Towson Divorce Lawyers at Huesman, Jones & Miles, LLC Can Help Navigate Your Unique Child Custody Issues
Since child custody issues are specific to each situation, our Towson child custody lawyers will listen and help to create the best arrangement possible. Huesman, Jones and Miles, LLC can help protect your rights and the interests of the children.
Contact us by phone at 443-589-0150 or online to schedule a consultation today. We have offices in Hunt Valley, Towson, and Pikesville, Maryland serving clients throughout Baltimore County, Harford County, Carroll County, and Howard County. We also serve the towns of Essex, Columbia, and Bel Air.
