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Ways To Keep Kids Happy Post Divorce

By Deepa Ranganathan

Divorce is equally tough for the children involved in the turbulent relationship. For a while, their needs were taken care of by both the parents, and their presence dominated their world. But divorce can really break down their ideal world and make them feel devastated.

In case either of you are planning to remarry, then accepting the third person as a parent can become really difficult for the child. It is a turbulent time for the kid, and as a parent, it becomes your duty to make it as smooth as possible for the child.

Before the divorce happens, try getting the kid used to the idea of divorce. You should make an effort to help the kid understand why the divorce is necessary and how you both will still be a part of his/her life. Your duty will be to make the kids’ life easy even after divorce. Make sure you know and understand how to make your kids’ life smooth after the divorce happens. Keeping a child happy post divorce is difficult and needs both of you to be participants of the affair.

Ways To Keep Kids Happy Post Divorce

Maintain a Healthy Attitude towards Ex
Whatever your equation with your ex, you will need to make it appear healthy for your child’s sake. The child won’t understand your reasons for the breakup, and he/she will need both of you to be a part of their lives. Make sure you don’t poison your child about the other parent, but keep them happy.

Avoid Putting Kids in Awkward Spot
Don’t make your kids’ choose who they want to spend the weekend with or who they love going places with. Just because you have separated, it does not mean the kids need to make such weird choices. They love both their parents equally and differently. Always remember that!

Keep them Away from Finances
There are chances you may be facing a financial issue, and need to discuss your debt and other affairs with your spouse. Don’t drag your kids into this matter. Avoid discussing these things in front of them

Don’t Monetise their Love
A lot of parents, after divorce, feel that money can buy their children’s happiness. It will be a short-lived affair. You will need to show them your love, offer them your time before you can actually make them love you.

Communicate
For any relationship to exist happily, you will need to make sure there is proper communication between the people involved. You will need to make sure your kid communicates with both the parents and is not hiding anything that can become worrisome. Try to keep your kids happy and secure. Offer them security despite a divorced household.

Avoid Criticism
Many a times you tend to criticise habits of your ex. By criticising in front of your kid, you are making them choose one side, and that would not be yours. So keep them away from any unhealthy attitude.

Have a Schedule
You should not fight with your ex-spouse over issues such as “you are spending more time with the kid”. Discuss custody and other details outside the court. Make sure you know who will spend how much time with the kid. Don’t try to meddle in each other’s time and affairs. Let the kids choose to spend time with the parent as they wish.

Take Counsellor’s Help
A counsellor can help your kid survive through the emotional trauma of divorce. If there is anything going on in their minds, they will be able to say it properly to a counsellor. It is a good idea to have them visit a counsellor.

Keep your Spirits High
Divorce is definitely turbulent and traumatic for you. But, living in a sad world can destroy your child’s happiness. Instead make them happy and keep the tempo at home cheerful. The happier you are, the better your children will feel.

Allow them Time to Adjust
Your kids will be living two lives at the same time. Don’t make it difficult for them. If they forget to do something, allow them the time to adjust and learn to keep the two lives separate.

Story first published: Saturday, October 4, 2014, 1:36 [IST]
Read more about: parents