Parents in Colorado who are going through a divorce might wonder what they can do to help make the process less difficult for their children. It can be hard to talk to children about the divorce, and parents should try to be as honest as possible while keeping the explanation age-appropriate. They should avoid speaking to them as though they are adults. Parents should have this conversation with their children together if possible, but this cannot always happen. If they are together when they tell their children, they should be a united front.
Children need reassurance that the divorce is not their fault and that their parents love them. Parents should not blame one another for the divorce, and children should be encouraged to express their feelings honestly. Parents should reassure them that things are going to be fine and should continue to be affectionate. This conversation will be ongoing, and parents should make sure children know that even negative emotions are okay. Some children may be better able to express themselves through mediums other than words, such as by drawing.
There are several things parents should not do. They should not make children feel as though they must choose between them or try to distance them from the other parent. They should avoid discussing legal concerns with them.
Determining a plan for child custody and visitation can be one of the most stressful and emotional parts of a divorce. It can force parents to confront the fact that they will be spending less time with their children, and this can be difficult. However, focusing on the best interests of the child can help parents find a solution that works for them. They may agree to share custody, or one parent might have custody while the other has visitation rights.