One of the best ways to determine how to treat your child during a divorce is to look at the situation through their eyes.
Our Virginia Beach family law attorneys have helped many families go through the divorce process. We know that a divorce can be messy, and that even the most conscientious parents can make mistakes that have a negative impact on their child.
Advice to Divorcing Parents
To help you help your child, or children, we urge you to read though the following advice, given through the eyes of children of divorce. This list is meant as a tool to shift the focus from a parent's perspective to that of a child. We hope that it can help you better understand what your children need as you go through your divorce.
- Don't make me the messenger. Talk to each other in person, on the phone or through text.
- Don't make me take sides. Even for smaller decisions like parent-teacher conferences, don't make me choose a parent.
- Work on your relationship as divorced parents. The worse you get along during and after the divorce, the worse I will feel.
- Talk to me. Ask me what I need, how I am doing. We are all going through a divorce.
- Try and keep other parts of my life the same. Changing schools and moving can all be really hard when so much is changing in my life.
- Don't talk to me about your problems. I'm not a counselor, I’m not your best friend, and I don't need the added burden of your problems.
- If I'm acting differently, it's because I'm sad and hurt, even angry. Please try to be patient with me.
- It will help me cope if you keep routines and schedules the same. I want to know when and where I'm going. Do your best to not be late or cancel our time together.
At Tavss Fletcher, our Virginia Beach divorce attorneys want nothing more than for you and your family to be happy, and to make it through the divorce as easily as possible. Please call 757.625.1214 today and schedule a consultation with an attorney who truly cares for you and your family.