Controlling stress for yourself and your children during divorce

When you are going through a divorce, it is easy to focus on the emotional side of things. If you have children, you will need to ensure that you are also taking the time to help them work through what they are feeling. This can be complex because of all the emotions the change might bring.

It can be hard to help your kids through the stress of the situation while you are working through issues of your own. You should always remember that your stress can transfer to your children and make things much more difficult for them. During this time, you should watch for signs that stress is overtaking your children.

There are many signs of stress in kids. They might become clingy with you, your ex, or both. Young kids may cry often, wet the bed, or have changes in sleep habits. Older children may complain of physical symptoms like headaches or stomachaches. They might have trouble focusing and may  feel lonely. If you notice any of these signs, you will likely need to sit down with the kids to talk about what they are feeling.

Stress control isn’t always easy. When you are thinking about ways to help your children, remember that stability and consistency are often the best things to help them. You can do this by trying to get the parenting plan ironed out quickly. Remember to think about what is in your child’s current best interests as you come up with the terms of the parenting plan. As your child matures, you may find that a child custody modification is in order.