Going through a divorce is hard for both parents. But it is also hard for your child. As parents, you undoubtedly want to make things as easy as possible for them. But is there any way to accomplish this?
Fortunately, there is. And some of the solutions are somewhat simple, too. Just cooperating with your co-parent might be enough to help your child out.
Keeping the situation smooth
Psychology Today looks at ways to help ease your child into news of the divorce. How does cooperation help? First of all, it provides your child with a sense of security. When both parents continue to cooperate and present a unified front, your child will likely feel less upheaval. Not only that, but studies have shown that these children often feel more assured about their position in their parent’s lives, too. They feel comforted and loved, which does wonders to help.
Coordinating your conversations
Not only that, but cooperating allows you and your co-parent to coordinate difficult conversations with greater ease. No one wants to talk to their child about the upcoming divorce, but it is a necessity. You make things easier when you and your co-parent are on the same page, holding conversations together. You can decide in advance what you will and will not talk about. You can also brainstorm possible questions your child may come up with, and discuss preemptive answers.
Of course, breaking news of divorce is always going to be difficult for everyone involved. But a little cooperation can go a long way when it comes to making the news easier to swallow.