Divorce is a process that naturally comes with a lot of changes to the family dynamic. As a result of the stress and overwhelming changes occurring from a divorce, it is likely that any children involved may suffer some anxiety during the process. As a parent, it is important that you know what you can do to help your child through this anxiety as you work towards finalizing the divorce from your former spouse.
At Stepp & Sullivan, our attorneys have more than 70 years of combined experience helping our clients as they go through the emotionally taxing process of divorce. Divorce is often hard on all members of a family, depending on whether or not the choice to separate was agreed upon by both spouses or if there are extensive disputes concerning finances or custody. Our experienced legal team understands how a divorce can negatively affect children. That is why it is important for parents to have tips on how they can support their anxious children throughout a divorce.
How Can Parents Lessen Anxiety For Their Children During a Divorce?
The overall experience of divorce can be a source of stress for families as a whole. Family members will often need to adjust to new living arrangements, routines, and they may struggle to navigate new ways of communicating with one another. While every divorce case is different, if your child is experiencing anxiety as a result, there are steps you can take to help them get through this difficult time and adjust to their new normal.
Manage Your Own Anxiety
Divorce is a difficult decision to make. While your child may be experiencing anxiety from all of the changes, it is not uncommon for you and your former spouse to also deal with anxiety as you go through the process. It can be easy to be overcome with stress and emotions as you go through the process of dissolving your marriage, but it is crucial that you manage your own mental health, as children often mirror the emotions of their parents, especially in stressful situations.
Establish a Routine and Stick to It
Divorce means that routines will change, but once you have gotten settled into the new way of life, it is important to establish a consistent routine for your children. Creating structure and consistency can help manage your child’s anxiety and help them feel more confident in the future of their family dynamic.
Communicate With Your Former Spouse
On matters regarding your child’s needs and any concerns you may have about their well-being, you should be communicating with your former spouse. Unless there is an extenuating circumstance in which your former spouse will no longer have custody or access to visitation with your child, as their co-parent, they should be kept in the loop about the child’s needs to ensure those needs are met even when they are not with you.
Reassure Your Child
Although the relationship between you and your former spouse has changed, you should ensure your child understands that their relationship with both of you is secure and will remain consistent.
If you have made the decision to enter into the process of divorce, it is crucial that you get the help of a trusted divorce attorney. Not only can a divorce lawyer protect your rights and interests, but they will also work to ensure that the proceedings are as amicable as possible. This will allow for a better co-parenting relationship between you and your former spouse which in turn can help reduce your child’s anxiety.
Contact a Texas Divorce Attorney Today
The trusted divorce attorneys at Stepp & Sullivan are dedicated to helping clients understand what they can do to help their children with anxiety throughout a divorce. We have many years of experience helping individuals protect their rights and interests while working to maintain an amicable relationship with a former spouse during a divorce. To discuss your next steps with a dedicated and trusted divorce lawyer in Texas and throughout the United States, call us today at (713) 677-2635 or complete our contact form.
