5 Ways Parents Can Protect Their Children During a Divorce

 Posted on November 29, 2023 in Divorce

The divorce process is rarely easy, but it can be especially hard on children. As parents navigate through the challenges of divorce, including making adjustments to living arrangements, separating their finances, and establishing new routines, it is crucial to prioritize the well-being and protection of their children. An experienced attorney can play a crucial role in addressing issues related to divorce and child custody. In addition to handling legal concerns, parents will want to make sure their children are protected as much as possible. Here are some ways parents can ensure the safety and emotional stability of their children during this challenging time:

1. Shield Children From Conflict

A high-conflict divorce can have lasting negative effects on children's mental health and their overall well-being. Therefore, it is essential to shield children from contentious discussions or arguments between parents whenever possible. Parents may need to avoid discussing any divorce-related issues while at home so that they can avoid arguments that children may overhear. Negotiations of their parenting plan or other aspects of their divorce settlement may need to be handled through their attorneys to ensure that conflict can be minimized.

2. Maintain Routines and Stability

During uncertain times, it is important to maintain stability as much as possible, which will provide reassurance for children. Parents can make sure children understand that even though some things may change, certain aspects of their lives will remain stable. To provide children with consistency, it is a good idea for both parents to enforce the same rules and follow similar routines for meals, bedtimes, and other daily activities. Parents can also make sure children are able to continue participating in activities they enjoy, such as school sports, clubs, or hobbies. 

3. Use Age-Appropriate Communication

Children of different ages have varying levels of understanding about the concept of divorce. It is important for parents to discuss divorce-related issues in an age-appropriate manner. For younger children, parents may provide simple and straightforward explanations using language they can understand, while older children may require more detailed explanations. When talking about divorce, parents can show empathy toward their children's emotions and give them opportunities to express their feelings openly without judgment or criticism. Parents should also encourage children to ask questions or share concerns they might have, and they should make sure children understand that the divorce is not their fault and that both parents will continue to love them and be there for them.

4. Maintain Communication About Child-Related Issues

When parents separate, they will need to establish a new co-parenting relationship in which they will work together to raise their children and address ongoing needs and concerns. While communication may be difficult for parents who are engaged in divorce-related disputes, it is a good idea to determine how child-related issues can be discussed going forward. This can ensure that parents will be able to cooperate to make important decisions about education, healthcare, extracurricular activities, and other issues that will affect their children’s lives. They may also discuss school schedules, transportation arrangements, daily routines, and any other details that will ensure that they can co-parent their children effectively.

5. Seek Professional Support

In addition to receiving legal representation from an attorney who can ensure that legal issues related to child custody will be handled correctly, parents may also consider family counseling to help themselves and their children cope with the changes they are experiencing during the divorce process. Individual counseling can help parents work through their emotions and protect their own mental health, and family counseling may also help parents and children discuss their emotional concerns and maintain positive relationships with each other.

Contact Our Oakbrook Terrace Child Custody Lawyers

For parents, it is essential to protect their children’s emotional and mental well-being during the divorce process. Ideally, parents will want to provide an environment where their children feel safe and supported throughout the divorce process. By putting their children’s needs first and working together to determine how they can co-parent effectively, parents can make sure they will be prepared for ongoing success once their marriage has been legally dissolved. 

At Farooqi & Husain Law Office, our DuPage County divorce attorneys work to help our clients address child-related concerns and resolve disputes and other legal issues effectively. We can provide effective representation when negotiating parenting plans and divorce settlements. To learn more about how we can assist with your divorce, contact us at 630-909-9114 and schedule a consultation.