When two parents go through a divorce, a huge shift occurs in the entire family dynamic. The children in the family may have to make a rapid adjustment when it comes to their living arrangements going forward, and they also learn to have different expectations of their parents.
While a divorce can be tough for kids, it is possible for divorcing parents to handle the process in a way that minimizes the negative impact on the children. The following are some ways in which a parent-child relationship can change after a divorce, and what you can do about it.
Children may feel anger toward one or both parents
Anger is a common response that children have after a divorce. They may be angry at both parents for breaking the family apart, or they may have heard that one parent did something that broke up the marriage. To prevent feelings of anger in children, you should focus on consistency and communication. Try to continue to do things as a family despite the divorce, and make sure that neither parent speaks negatively about the other in front of the child.
Children may not maintain the same level of vulnerability that they once did
Children may display trust issues after a divorce, especially if they feel that they were not communicated with during the process. It’s important to give your child space to open up and express their worries and concerns about the future.
If you are going through a divorce, and you are worried about the effect that it will have on your child, it is important to first set up a strong child custody arrangement that will be consistent.