Divorce: 3 Top Parenting Tips to Help Your Child Adapt

By Jean Tracy, MSS

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If you're a divorced parent, there are mistakes to avoid with your child and good tips to follow. Because divorce can be confusing, many parents blunder with words that affect their kids. You won't need to cause your child unnecessary pain if you avoid the errors and observe the following suggestions.

1. The Minimizer considers the child's feelings trivial and says things like:

You shouldn't feel that way.

You're wrong.

That's not true.

The Empathizer Tip:

The empathizer listens and accepts. He may say:

This is a difficult time for you.

I'm glad you're sharing your feelings with me.

Feel free to cry. I understand.

2. The Avoider ignores questions, pretends she doesn't hear, or scolds the youth for asking. She might say:

Don't ask such questions.

It's none of your business.

Don't be so nosy.

The Approachable Parent Tip

The approachable parent is open to her child's questions. She wisely answers according to her youngster's age. She may say:

Thank you for asking.

That's a great question.

I'll answer you as honestly as I can.

3. The Blamer is so caught up in his feelings that he vents his anger about his former spouse. The blamer says things like:

The divorce is your mother's fault.

You're just like her.

She's no good.

The Respectful Parent Tip

Your mom and I have big differences.

We tried to solve our problems but just couldn't.

Your mom is a good person.

Conclusion for the Top 3 Parenting Tips to Help Your Child Adapt

Ninety percent of children, whose parents are divorcing, experience some problems like, a decline in school performance, a loss of interest in friends and hobbies, sleep difficulties, and somatic complaints such as headaches, stomach aches and fatigue.

Because many children struggle with divorce, it's essential to provide them with coping strategies. This kindle book prepares them for the big changes that divorce brings -- living in two homes, a blended family, and dealing with loneliness, self-blame and anger.