Family Law

Ways to Help Children Overcome Their Fear Resulting From Divorce

By Ben Stevens

Yesterday, I noticed a brochure at my church called "Helping Your Child Cope With Divorce" that contains good, practical advice for parents who want to help their children in such situations.  This week, I will feature excerpts from this brochure, which I believe will benefit my readers, even those who are not particularly religious.

Divorce is difficult for children of all ages - no matter how young or how old.  One common fear that children have is that they "will lose you too."  As parents, you can take some or all of the following steps to help alleviate that fear and reassure your child:

• Keep your word  ::  If you say that you will be somewhere for your child, then be there.  If you promise to attend a baseball game, then do it.  If you say that you will be home at 6:00 p.m., then be on time.
• Keep your child informed  ::  Always let your children know where you are and how you can be reached by telephone.
• Keep things lighted  ::  Younger children can be reassured by having a night-light in their bedroom or in the hallway.

Full post as published by SC Family Law Blog on December 17, 2007 (boomark / email).