Helping your kids with divorce
Hi there,
It appears that the divorce rate is declining. That can only be considered good news, but anecdotally I think it means that the percentage of tougher cases has increased for practitioners. I have noticed our group seems to have a never ending stream of custody cases. I am in the middle of a custody trial right now, so I decided to pass on some things that may help the kids.
First of all, Massachusetts has a mandated parenting course. Divorcing parents of kids 18 and younger are required to take this course within 45 days of filing. I try to get my clients to take it as soon as possible, as it can help with some very simple things.
Then from a child's perspective, how your parents tell you about the divorce is critical. While there always should be a united, supportive front, many divorcing couples are unable to get past the immediate anger to present a united front.
Books help (In my world books always help, but that's another post). Almost every library has an excellent selection. A list of books reviewed by Benjamin Garber, MD and members of the staff of the Barr-Harris Children's Grief Center may be accessed here.
And remember, kids are resilient and they know when they are loved.
Best,
Nancy
