How to Protect Children During a Divorce

Posted Sep 13, 2014 by Mary E. Ramos | Child Custody, Divorce

When a marriage is no longer sustainable, a divorce may be inevitable. While this is clearly a strenuous time for both spouses, it can be even more psychologically damaging for children who find themselves stuck in the middle. As a parent, it is important that you do not let relationship issues take precedence over the mental and emotional well-being of your children. Many children are unable to understand these significant changes in a positive way, so it’s essential that you do your part to help them. With the help of a child custody lawyer in Houston, TX, it is possible to minimize conflict.

Keep Your Children Reassured

One prominent issue that frequently affects children is the fear of change. Although you may see this divorce as inevitably a positive and necessary step, they may have a difficult time coping and readjusting to this new way of life. It is important that you consistently reassure your children that they are safe and that you and your former spouse will continue to be here for them. Fear of the unknown can be worse than the truth, so be honest and open with your children. Help them realize that any changes that may occur will be made with their best interest in mind. Consulting child custody lawyers in Houston, TX is one way to ensure that you can keep that promise.

Make Sure They Never Feel to Blame

One of the most psychologically damaging byproducts of divorce is that children may feel responsible for it. It is crucial that you make sure your children are fully aware that this is an issue between you and your spouse, and that it was not caused by them in any way. Talking to child custody lawyers in Houston, TX is a great way to learn about typical responses and how to respond to them. During this difficult time, your children need to receive an exceptional amount of love from both parents so that they are fully convinced that they are not in any way responsible for this change.

Maintain Structure Without Going Overboard

It is important that you do not let your children’s life change too drastically all at once. It can be easy to become preoccupied with the divorce proceedings, forgetting about the other family members. Make sure your children still realize that both parents are authority figures, that rules still apply and that this shift is not going to dramatically alter the life they have become accustomed to. At the same time, it is also important that you do not take this structure maintenance too far. You must balance these changes in a constructive way, helping the children understand that changes do not mean that the life they know is crumbling around them. Try not to overcompensate, while still keeping traditional discipline and rules intact.

Do Not Project Your Feelings Onto Them

While it may be extremely difficult at times, it is important that you do not inadvertently share your burden with your children. For example, it may be tempting to tell the children about something negative your former spouse has done in the past, but this is only going to cause further conflict and feelings of resentment that can manifest further over time. Let your children continue to be just that – children. Do your best to preserve their innocence, and avoid discussing negative feelings whenever possible. Talking to a child counselor, psychologist or child custody lawyer in Houston, TX can help you learn more about the proper way to handle your emotions when children are present.

Let Ramos Law Group, PLLC Help

Ramos Law Group, PLLC is known throughout the Houston area for providing superior family law services. If you need a qualified child custody lawyer in Houston, TX, we can provide you with an exceptional professional who can help make your divorce proceedings go as smoothly as possible. When it comes to the well-being of your children, we work with you to keep their best interest in mind. A child custody lawyer will help you get an ideal schedule, whether you are planning visitation rights or trying to get joint custody. Call (713) 225-6200 or contact us through our website to plan a consultation.

Last Updated on October 4, 2019 by Mary E. Ramos