A divorce may have a significant impact on your life both now and well into the future. In addition, it will likely have a significant impact on your child’s life. Ideally, you will do whatever it takes to make sure that your child has the support and resources needed to navigate this chaotic time. One way to do that may be to settle the divorce privately as opposed to inside a Montana courtroom.
Keep your kids out of it
Ideally, you will shield your children from the toxicity of the divorce process itself. This means that you don’t talk to your kids about what happens in mediation or during a court hearing. It also means that you should avoid saying negative things about the other parent or trying to use your kids as a source of emotional support.
Keep the lines of communication open
Your children will likely feel the impact of your divorce for most of their childhood. Therefore, it’s important that you have regular conversations about how the divorce is impacting them and what they might need to feel better about their situation. You should emphasize that it’s acceptable to cry, feel anxious or have other negative feelings and that you won’t love them any less for being upset about what is happening to them.
Encourage a relationship with the other parent
It’s important for children to have healthy relationships with as many adult role models as possible while growing up. Therefore, you will want to encourage your kids to have a relationship with your former partner even if you don’t have any positive feelings for that person. Of course, this assumes that your former partner is capable of providing a safe and loving environment for them.
Remaining an active participant in your children’s life after your divorce may make it easier for them to thrive during a chaotic time.