For children, experiencing their parent’s separation can be one of the most challenging experiences they’ll face. Whilst it is often the best decision for the couple and the whole family, children may struggle to understand or have a lot of big feelings about the situation. It is crucial that children have access to a supportive environment to help them navigate through this change. Carla Williams, CILEx Practitioner & Assistant Manager in the Family Law Department at Bromleys, explores how you can support your child through a separation or divorce.
Open and Honest Communication
One of the best ways to support children through a family breakup is open and honest communication. Encouraging your child to express their thoughts or feelings about the changes is crucial. Let them know it is okay for them to feel sad, confused or angry, and that they have space to explore these feelings.
You can tailor your explanations to suit your child’s age or level of understanding. Older children or teenagers might need more detailed discussions than younger children to help them understand what is happening.
Children often feel to blame during a family breakup. Reassure your child that the breakup is a decision made by the adults, has nothing to do with them or their behaviour, and that they are still loved by both parents.
Maintaining Routine and Stability
Maintain as much consistency as possible in your child’s daily routine. This includes mealtimes, bedtimes, and extracurricular activities. If possible, work collaboratively with the other parent to ensure consistency in rules, discipline, and expectations across both households.
Encourage your child to continue participating in school and social activities. Staying engaged in these familiar aspects of their life can provide a sense of continuity and help them maintain a positive outlook.
Creating Positive Memories
Spend quality time with your child, engaging in activities they enjoy. This can help strengthen your bond and provide positive distractions from the stress of the family breakup. Simple activities like cooking together, playing games, or going for walks can make a big difference.
Celebrate your child’s achievements and milestones, no matter how small. Acknowledging their successes can boost their self-esteem and remind them of their resilience.
Create new family traditions to help your child adjust to the changes. These traditions can be as simple as a weekly movie night or a new holiday routine. Establishing new patterns can help your child feel a sense of continuity and belonging.
Supporting a child through a family breakup requires patience, empathy, and a proactive approach. By fostering open communication, providing emotional support, maintaining routine and stability, you can help your child navigate this challenging time with resilience and strength that will remain with them as they continue to grow.
If you need support navigating a family breakup and would like advice on how best to support your children through the process, our empathetic team is here to help. Call today on 0161 884 0902 or email bromleys@bromleys.co.uk.