Divorce is one of the biggest life changes parents and children can go through. Emotions can run the gamut from sadness to anger and eventually to acceptance or perhaps even happiness. Parents in Pensacola going through a divorce likely want to help their kids adjust in a healthy manner. The following are some tips for Florida parents going through a divorce.
Be honest
It is important that parents are honest and explain the divorce in a straightforward way that is appropriate given the child’s age and circumstances. If possible, parents should break the news of the divorce together after first discussing how they want the conversation to go. If one parent is moving out of the family home, the child should be given ample advanced notice of the change.
Reassure your child
Children may be frightened when they first learn their parents are divorcing. It is important to reassure them that both parents will always love them. It is also important to ensure that your child knows the divorce is not their fault. Parents should also encourage children to share their feelings about the divorce, good or bad. In addition, parents should make sure they do not bad-mouth one another in the child’s presence.
Respect your ex’s time with your child
Part of a divorce decree in Florida will be a parenting plan that includes a time-sharing schedule. The time-sharing schedule lays out who will have the child in their care and when. Parents should make sure to follow this schedule by arriving to pick-ups and drop-offs on time. The time-sharing schedule can only be modified if there is a substantial, material and unanticipated change in circumstances and modification is in the child’s best interests.
As you can see, there are many ways you can help your child adjust to your divorce. It may not always be easy but by putting your child first you can help them process the changes that divorce brings to their young lives, so they can move forward in an emotionally healthy manner.
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