How to Be a Great Parent During a Divorce

 Posted on September 26, 2024 in Divorce

Divorce can be an incredibly difficult time for families, and experienced lawyers in family law often witness the emotional toll it takes on both parents and children. During this period of immense change, it is vital for parents to strive to be the best they can for their kids. Great parenting during a divorce means being present, nurturing, and creating a stable environment in which children can feel protected. Here are some strategies to help parents navigate this challenging time while ensuring their children feel valued and loved.

Spend Quality Time with Each Child Individually

One of the most impactful things parents can do is to spend quality time with each child individually each day. This one-on-one interaction helps build stronger connections, allowing children to express their feelings openly and honestly. Whether it is reading a bedtime story, going for a walk, or just talking about their day over dinner, these moments create a safe space for them to share their thoughts and emotions. This individualized attention reassures children that, despite the drastic changes in the family structure, they are still cherished and important.

Be Nurturing and Available

Being a nurturing and available parent is essential during a divorce. Children may feel a wide range of emotions, from sadness to anger or confusion. Parents must validate these feelings and provide comfort. Showing up at school or sporting events, asking about their school projects, and being actively involved in the children’s lives could not be more important.

When children see that their parents are engaged and responsive to their needs, it helps build trust between them. Being emotionally available can also work wonders for easing the anxiety that often accompanies divorce. By being emotionally available, you can help your children more easily adjust to the new reality.

Create Consistent Schedules and Routines

Establishing a consistent schedule or routine can also provide stability in a time of great uncertainty. Creating a predictable framework helps ease anxiety among children, making them feel more secure in their day-to-day lives.

Parents should work together, no matter how hard it may be to do so, to develop a routine that includes homework, relaxation, and family fun. Consistency is key here toward providing a sense of normalcy, which in turn can help children better cope with the changes happening around them.

Contact a DuPage County, IL Family Law Attorney

Going through a divorce while striving to be a great parent is undoubtedly challenging, but it is far from impossible. By dedicating time to each child, remaining nurturing and supporting, and creating stable routines, parents can help their children greatly before, during, and after the divorce. For second-to-none legal guidance, contact our Wheaton, IL divorce lawyers at The Stogsdill Law Firm, P.C.. Call 630-462-9500 for a private consultation.