Divorce Dos and Don’ts for Parents

 Posted on August 31, 2013 in Divorce

Divorce is not a pleasant experience. It is full of emotions, even if it&s amicable. While there is not a divorce rule book that dictates what each party can and can&t do, there are a few things, according to Psychology Today, that you should and should not do while going through a divorce where children are involved.

Don’t Make your Child Choose

Your child will be traumatized enough, knowing that their parents are not going to be together anymore. They will internalize their feelings and some children may go so far as to blame themselves for the break up of the family. The worst thing that you can do is make the child feel as if they need to choose sides between the mother and father.

Do Keep your Emotions in Check

You are not the only one who is sad or angry. While you will not be able to hide your feelings, you have to consider your child&s feelings as well. Don’t have hostile or tearful conversations in front of the children.

Don’t Bad Mouth the Other Parent or their Family

Remember that your child still loves the other parent. They also have aunts, uncles, and grandparents on the other side of the family whom they love very much. Do not speak badly about these people to your children or around your children, no matter what the circumstances are.

Do Make the Decision to Co-parent

Parents tend to try to overcompensate in the case of a divorce. You both need to agree on rules in regards to curfew and other privileges. The rules should be the same at each parent&s home. things will go much smoother if you are both on the same page.

While going through divorce is hard, having the assistance of an Illinois family law attorney can help to ensure that decisions are made in the best interest of your children.