How to help a child understand divorce

Divorce can be an emotional event for any Michigan residents to go through. However, as difficult as it can be for an adult, the end of a marriage can be just as hard on any children estranged parents may have. To ease a child’s mind, parents should be upfront and honest about what is going on. Children should also be assured that their parents still love them.

Kids may have questions and concerns about the divorce as events unfold. Therefore, parents should make sure that they have the ability to ask those questions or express their concerns. It is also a good idea for parents to check in on their children as they may be struggling internally even if they seem to be doing alright on the outside. As a parent, it is critical to not put a child in the middle of a dispute with the other parent.

This means that a child should never hear a bad word about his or her other parent. Children should never be used as messengers or otherwise used to communicate a message on behalf of an adult. However, parents are urged to take time to process the divorce and grieve appropriately. This may allow a parent to be the source of strength that a child needs during a period of transition.

As a parent may be tempted to make decisions based on his or her emotions, it may be a good idea to have the help of an attorney. Legal counsel can review the case in an objective manner, which may help a parent get a favorable ruling as it relates to alimony, child support and child custody issues.