3 Ways to Address Your Child’s Behavioral Issues after Divorce
Divorce can be devastating for kids, and Medscape reports that children of divorce are more likely to develop behavioral issues than those of traditional, two-parent families. Even if you do everything in your power to help your children cope with the separation, behavioral issues may still arise, and it is up to you and your ex to address them together.
It may be hard to co-parent with your ex-spouse, but it is ultimately in your children’s best interests to cooperate with each other. Whether you have sole or joint custody, your ex-spouse will probably always be part of your life, and the sooner you decide to work together, the better off your children will be.
If you are facing a custody dispute, contact The Law Offices of Michael M. Raheb, P.A. Mr. Raheb will evaluate your situation and provide comprehensive legal guidance. Call 866-949-0888 to schedule a consultation with a Naples child custody lawyer.
Read on for a few tips for addressing your children’s behavioral issues following divorce:
- Be Patient
Empowering Parents reminds readers that everyone processes grief in their own way and at their own pace. It is natural to feel frustrated when your children act out, but if you remain patient with them, you will be able to address the root of the issue in a calm, rational manner.
Remind yourself that there is no blueprint for processing difficult emotions, and your children are just trying to cope. Lashing out may not be constructive or effective, but they may feel that acting out is their only outlet, and it is up to you to provide them with a different means of expression.
- Start a New Routine—and Stick to It
Children thrive on routine, and nothing destroys stability like divorce. Even if your children remain in the house they grew up in, going from a two-parent household to a one-parent home is going to change their routine.
Children who do not have a routine can feel lost and insecure, and these feelings can lead to temper tantrums and other behavioral issues. Try to settle into a routine as soon as possible following the divorce, and stick to it so your children can regain their stability.
- Encourage Your Children to Vent
Everyone needs to vent once in a while, and if your children are old enough to communicate with you, they are old enough to vent. Talk to your children about their anger, and ask them why they think they feel the way they do. When your children feel heard, they are less likely to act out, and they are more likely to use their words instead of their actions to express feelings like disappointment and anger.
If you are going through a custody battle, turn to The Law Offices of Michael M. Raheb, P.A. Call 866-949-0888 to schedule an initial consultation with a Naples child custody attorney. Visit USAttorneys.com to learn more about child custody proceedings in Florida.
