Florida parents who decide to end their marriages often experience guilt. One of the most common fears among divorced parents revolves around how their children feel about the change. The good news is that there are still plenty of ways to effectively parent your children when you’re no longer married to their other parent.
Don’t put children in adult situations
The only time that children truly end up in the middle of a divorce is when their parents put them there. Avoid the temptation to complain about your ex to your kids. This ensures that your children never feel like they must take sides.
Do not engage in negativity
It is entirely acceptable for you to have a different parenting style than your ex. However, this often creates situations where one parent criticizes the methods used by the other. If your ex criticizes your parenting choices, refuse to engage in negativity.
When children act out
There are plenty of reasons for children to act out following a divorce. Experts agree that some of the most common reasons include:
- A loss of control
- Hope for reunification
- Blaming themselves for the divorce
- Testing new boundaries
- Anger about unwanted change
When you recognize a change in your child’s behavior, it’s important to consider the motive behind them. It’s possible to empathize with your child’s mental and emotional needs while setting boundaries for their behavior.
It’s OK not to be OK
Finally, remember that you’re also dealing with a new life. It’s important that your children recognize that the decision to end your marriage was difficult. You can let your kids know that you’re upset by your divorce without unloading your emotional baggage onto them.
Parenting as a divorced parent is certainly different than parenting as part of a married couple. However, you can still raise successful, thriving children even as a single parent.