Helping Children with Divorce

San Jose Divorce Lawyer

Helping Children with Divorce

At the offices of San Jose family lawyer Daniel Jensen, we do not just think of the people we represent as cases. We know how difficult it can be to get through a divorce, particularly for any children who may be involved. Here are a few tips for helping your children make this transition.

Do not wait for your children to request attention before you give it. While some children react to emotional distress while acting out, others only become more withdrawn. Sadly, children who do not express their feelings with behavior that demands immediate attention are often overlooked or assumed to be “fine.”

Provide what consistencies you can. During a time of upheaval many children draw comfort from whatever routines they can find. Try to maintain your children’s bed time, meal times, and other scheduled activities as best as you are able.

Let your children make choices. Many children feel powerless during family crises, which can create additional feelings of fear and shame. Letting children call the shots from time to time, even if it’s just what shoes to wear or whether they want grape or apple juice, can help a lot.

Do not say bad things about the other parent in front of your kids. This often makes children feel like they have to choose sides and can damage their relationship with the other parent, or with you, or both.

Many children feel responsible for their family’s problems. Reassure your children consistently that this is not the case. Try to provide a reasonably accurate explanation for the divorce at an age-appropriate level.

Contact a San Jose Divorce Lawyer

If you need any information about divorce and California law, contact the offices of San Jose divorce lawyer Daniel Jensen today at (408) 296-4100.