Be There For Your Children
“Always believe in yourselves as parents. You are the best your children have.” Anonymous
How can you be there for your children when your world is turned upside down by divorce/separation? How can you co-parent effectively when you’re emotionally drained by the divorce process?
Divorce is a very difficult time that shakes you to the core. Going through a divorce myself years ago, I remember how tough it was to go to work, parent my daughter, and handle everyday responsibilities. It feels like you’re walking around in a blur – just putting one foot in front of the other to get through the day. Your routine is totally disrupted as you deal with the grief, sorrow, loss, intense change, etc. During this time, it is important to take care of yourself and lean on family, friends, colleagues, etc. for support. You may want to consider outside counseling as a way to help you cope.
It is important to remember not to lean on your children for emotional support – no matter what their age. If you can, do your best not to put them in the middle or talk to them about adult issues. Children, of any age, are not equipped to handle this and should not be asked to do it. They are going through their own issues with the divorce and need support from their parents and other family members. You need to be there for your children in a loving, supportive, caring way as they work through the changes and difficulties of divorce. Remember to love them and do what you can as you are the best your children have.
