Divorce and Children

SUPPORTING YOUR CHILD THROUGH SEPARATION OR DIVORCE.

For children of any age parental separation or divorce can be difficult, sad and confusing. For many children today, parental separation or divorce often means living in two different homes, having new people enter their lives and losing the stability and structure they once had. I help children express their feelings and make sense of changes that are happening in their world. I also work with parents to help them strengthen their relationships with their children.

As a parent you probably ask yourself how to best help your child cope with your divorce.  Many parents find it difficult to help their children adjust, since they have to deal with their own feelings of loss, changes in daily routine and their ex-spouses who are not always cooperative.

Both parents need to consent to our services unless sole custody has been awarded.

Below is a list of difficulties that many separated/divorced parents face:
  • Your child misses your ex-partner who is not always available to see him/her
  • Your child has difficulty adjusting to the new living arrangement
  • Your child became sad or irritated
  • Your child developed problems with eating or sleeping
  • Your child began to struggle academically
  • You lost the closeness you once shared with your child

Co-parenting

The single most important factor that affects the way your child will adjust to your separation is the kind of communication you will establish with your ex-partner. While most parents understand the importance of consistent, peaceful communication, working with your ex-spouse can be challenging, especially in the beginning. Deciding to bring your child to therapy can help you establish continued cooperation.

I can support you and your child in this time of

transition.

Parental coaching

If your ex-partner refuses to give permission for therapy, we can work on your co-parenting skills together. Improving your ability to function effectively in this co-parenting role will have a positive impact on your child’s post-separation adjustment, even without having your child participate in therapy directly.

Below is a list of questions that are faced by parents who decide to attend individual meetings:
  • How can divorce affect my child’s well-being?
  • How do I announce the divorce to my child?
  • Who moves out?
  • How to tell if my child is adjusting normally to divorce?
  • How to set up a routine with my ex-partner?
  • What to do if I disagree with the way my ex-partner is parenting my child?
  • What to do if my child seems distant after spending time with my ex partner?
  • How do I manage my feelings of loneliness when my child is away?
  • How should I introduce my new partner to my child?
  • What role should my new partner take as a step-parent?
Co-parenting

The single most important factor that affects the way your child will adjust to your separation is the kind of communication you will establish with your ex-partner. While most parents understand the importance of consistent, peaceful communication, working with your ex-spouse can be challenging, especially in the beginning. Deciding to bring your child to therapy can help you establish continued cooperation.

I can support you and your child in this time of

transition.

Parental coaching

If your ex-partner refuses to give permission for therapy, we can work on your co-parenting skills together. By improving your ability to function effectively in this co-parenting role have a positive impact on your child’s post-separation adjustment even without participating in therapy themselves.

Below is a list of questions that are faced by parents who decide to attend individual meetings:
  • How can divorce affect my child’s well-being?
  • How do I announce the divorce to my child?
  • Who moves out?
  • How to tell if my child is adjusting normally to divorce?
  • How to set up a routine with my ex-partner?
  • What to do if I disagree with the way my ex-partner is parenting my child?
  • What to do if my child seems distant after spending time with my ex partner?
  • How do I manage my feelings of loneliness when my child is away?
  • How should I introduce my new partner to my child?
  • What role should my new partner take as a step-parent?

Happiness never decreases by being shared.

Every journey begins with a first step. Let me support your child on the road to a happier and more successful future. Contact me today at (514) 704-1307.

Get in Touch