Divorce is hard on children, but you can make it easier on them by following these rules:
- DON’T put your children in the middle by using them as messengers between you and your spouse.
- DON’T criticize or place blame on your former spouse in front of your children.
- DON’T let your children act as caretakers. Let your children be children.
- DON’T tell your children if your former spouse is behind on or not paying child support.
- DON’T uproot your children, if practicable.
- DO pay your child support.
- DO assure your children that the divorce is not their fault.
- DO get treatment if you have a drug or alcohol problem.
- DO encourage your children to see your former spouse frequently.
- DO remember that your children’s best interests are what is most important.
When discussing divorce with your children, DO:
- Talk to the children with the other parent, if at all possible.
- Explain to the kids that both parents have jointly decided to not live together anymore.
- Tell the children that both parents love them.
- Tell the children they do not have to choose between parents.
- Explain that it will take time for everyone to adjust.
Contact Joseph Hollander & Craft, LLC’s divorce and child custody attorneys today (Wichita: 316-262-9393 / Topeka: 785-234-3272 / Lawrence: 785-856-0143).