Divorce is stressful for the entire family, even when parents attempt to end their marriage on friendly terms. Attorneys who practice family law know the process has a significant impact on young children. Applying the tips below might help parents ease the difficulties their kids face when going from a two-parent to one-parent households.

Be Loving & Reassuring

Show and tell your children you love them. Reassure them that the divorce is not their fault, and nothing they say or do will change the situation. Talk and listen to them, and focus on maintaining a strong parent-child relationship they can depend on. In the long run, the time you spend with them is what they will remember, not the stuff you buy.

Be Clear & Consistent

You and your ex-spouse may have different rules for the kids in your separate homes, but maintain as much consistency as possible for their sake. Be clear about your house rules, and respect those of your ex-spouse, unless they are harmful to your children. Keeping regular routines and knowing what to expect in both locations helps children adjust to new living arrangements.  

Be Positive or Neutral About Your Ex

Divorce attorneys see it time and again: when one spouse bad-mouths the other to the children, it backfires on the complaining parent. If you can’t make positive or neutral comments about your ex when your children are around, say nothing. Children don’t belong in the middle of your disputes. If your ex falls behind on child support or fails to abide by the settlement or custody agreement, deal with it through your attorney, not your kids.

Parents who want to help their children transition smoothly through divorce seek advice and representation from Sherri K. Rutherford and Carrie Charles, the skilled attorneys at Rutherford Law Office. Based in Chillicothe, OH, these two dynamic and compassionate family law attorneys offer clients more than 20 years of experience in issues including child custody and support. Visit their website to learn more about the legal team, and call (740) 775-7434 to schedule a confidential consultation.