incredible-marketing Arrow

Divorce can be a highly emotional experience for everyone in the family. For some children, divorce can affect their mental health and overall well-being. Learning to help your children work through this tough time can often feel overwhelming. You desperately want to take away any of their stress or unhappiness. Know that you are not alone. Here are a few different ways you can help your child work through a divorce in the family.

Encourage Honesty

Honesty will help both you and your child. Encourage your child to be honest about how they are processing the divorce and what their thoughts are regarding the situation. Processing the situation will vary depending on the age of the child. If they are old enough to understand and form their own opinions, encourage them to share those opinions and face the situation in the context of a loving and supportive family.

Legitimize Their FeelingsĀ 

Your child may feel differently about your divorce than you do. They may look at the situation differently or have different opinions. That is okay, and that is understandable. Whatever your children are expressing, legitimize those feelings and ensure your child knows and understands that they are understood and heard.

Offer Age-Appropriate DetailsĀ 

If your child is old enough to understand the situation, offer appropriate details that will help them to better understand the situation. If they would benefit from specific details and not others, share what would be beneficial to them. Work with a mental health professional to better understand what would be emotionally beneficial and what might not be as helpful.

Encourage Connection With Peers

Stress and trauma in children can look quite different than it does in adults. If your child typically enjoys engaging in certain activities or connecting with peers, then encourage that behavior to continue. You may also find it beneficial to look into specific support groups that pertain to you or your child so you or they can connect with others in similar situations.

Divorce can be a stressful and emotional process. If your children seem to be affected by the divorce process, know that this is perfectly understandable and expected. Offer age-appropriate details so your children feel informed and included. You may also find it beneficial to encourage positive activities and connections with peers. Here at The Guest House, we understand that as a parent, you desperately want to help your children face challenges. It can be hard to know how to do that. We are here to help. Call us today to learn more about our treatment options at (855) 483-7800.