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When you and your partner decide to divorce, you may be so busy making arrangements for the split that you forget your children are involved in the relationship, too. It is essential for you and your spouse to sit down together and discuss the following four topics with your children before the divorce.
1. Child Custody
No matter how old your little ones are, they will want to know where they will live and who they will spend their time with. Although they won’t fully understand the foundation of child custody NJ, your children will feel more secure knowing that their belongings and friends will still be available to them.
2. Family Home
Discuss separating households before it occurs because your children won’t understand if one parent suddenly moves out of the family home. Young children need to know you are still a family, even though you won’t live together, and older children need to believe they have a place at both houses. Providing stability and security is a parent’s top priority when telling any child about one parent leaving permanently.
3. Visitation Rights
Take time to discuss visitation with your children to make sure they don’t feel abandoned by either one of you. It is also essential for them to know they can spend time with both parents and are loved by both. Feeling abandoned can lead to mental and emotional issues that last into adulthood.
4. Divided Fault
Don’t place blame for the divorce, even if it is deserved. Your children need to know it is something you both chose so they can divide the fault between you. If not handled right, the child will withdraw from the parent they believe is at fault. This can cause long-lasting relationship damage.
Divorce can be messy and painful, but you can help your children work through the process. Discuss the four topics above with them to help.