Divorce can be difficult for children. Many parents want to know their children are doing alright. However, it is not always easy to know if children are adjusting well to their new life.
Parents can make attempts to monitor their children’s emotions. This can be done by engaging in conversations, observing a child’s behaviors and seeking help. Here are a few things that parents may need to ask themselves:
Is a child doing the same things after the divorce as before?
Parents often know their children very well. Parents may want to observe their children to see if they are still doing activities now, after the divorce, that they often did before the divorce. For example, it may be concerning to find a child playing less, engaging in fewer conversations or showing signs of stress.
What are a child’s teachers or caretakers noticing about them?
Children may not make their feelings obvious at home around their parents. Parents may want to reach out to teachers or caretakers who spend a lot of time with their children. Teachers and caretakers may notice signs that a child is struggling to adjust to a divorce. This may be clear if a child is suddenly struggling to maintain grades, spending less time with friends, dropping out of activities or causing fights with others.
Has a child said anything during therapy?
Many parents will have their children go through therapy after a divorce. A therapist can help children express and understand their feelings about a divorce in a safe place. A parent may talk with a therapist to understand how their child is adjusting.
Parents can learn more about their divorce and child custody options when they seek legal guidance.