Divorce is one of the most difficult challenges anyone could ever face. Anytime a long-term relationship comes to an end, it can be a heartbreaking experience for everyone involved. Couples throughout Utah spend years building a life together, whether it is buying a house, having kids and balancing a career. Nobody is truly prepared to deal with this situation. But perhaps the biggest victims of divorce are the children. They are often caught in the middle and must make the huge adjustment to living with two separate families. Before you contact a divorce attorney, it is important to discuss these issues with your kids.
A Team Effort
Regardless of how difficult the situation, it is the responsibility of both parents to act in the best interest of the child. Having a conversation about divorce is never easy. When it comes to divorce, timing is everything. First, it is best to talk with your kids at least two or three weeks before the separation. Both parents should work together to formulate a proper plan on how to discuss this delicate topic.
Maintain a Caring Tone
When there is acrimony in a marriage, it can be easy for both parents to lose their temper. But when it comes time to talk with your kids, it is important to maintain a caring and sympathetic tone. Remember, they are also going through a difficult time. Choose a quiet place, where there are no distractions. Try to have the conversation during a weekend. During the week, kids are often stressed about their school work.
Communicate With Your Child’s Teacher
Teachers play a major role in a child’s development. During the course of a week, children often spend more time with their teachers than with their parents. In far too many cases, children of divorcing parents often decline in their academic performance. Before parents discuss divorce with their children, try to inform the teacher in advance. Tell the teacher to be sensitive and discreet about the family situation. Teachers can often spot when a child is going through difficult times. By being more understanding, they can help the child with any academic problems during a divorce.
Avoid the Blame Game
One of the worst things a parent can do is to blame their spouse for the divorce. It only makes the situation worse. Children should respect both of their parents. Blaming a spouse not only makes them look bad, it also makes you bad. Unfortunately, many children of divorce blame themselves for their parents splitting up. Try to convey to your children that divorce is strictly an adult decision between both parents.
A Salt Lake City Divorce Attorney Can Help
There are no easy solutions for divorce. Among the most difficult is helping your child through this turbulent period of their life. Salt Lake City divorce attorney Christopher M. Ault understands the challenges and obstacles many parents face. As a divorced father, he understands the unique perspective of his clients. He utilizes a compassionate and comprehensive approach to help place each client in the best position to succeed. Over the years, he and his legal team have provided representation for a variety of family law issues. To learn more, contact The Ault Firm and schedule a consultation to discuss your case.
Author Bio:
I am Christopher M. Ault, Attorney at Law. I am a Salt Lake City divorce attorney with a breadth of knowledge and skill in family law and divorce law. I am committed to helping protect and look after the best interests of each of my clients in every facet of family law.
