10 Things to Know to Help Your Children thru Your Divorce

While divorce is never a pleasant thing, a divorce with children is an exponentially more difficult process.  Your children will be affected by the fact that their parents are separating.  However, here are ten tips to help soften the impact on your children:

1. All children are not created equal - there is no cookie cutter method to helping a child thru a divorce;
2. Don't burden a child with your own anger - your child doesn't need to know that your spouse had an affair, etc;
3. Emphasize to your child that he or she is not the reason for the divorce - children often blame themselves.  Make sure to they are understand they had nothing to do with it;
4. Allow your child to show emotion - don't hesitate to seek professional help if you feel your child could benefit;
5. Let your child know that he or she is your first priority;
6. Don't use your child as a bargaining tool;
7. Don't use your child as a substitute spouse - your child cannot fill your ex-spouses shoes.  Your child needs to spend more time with his friends and family members even when you are lonely and no one else is around;
8. Keep your judgmental attitude to yourself - if your ex starts dating again don't make degrading remarks about his or her new love interest;
9. Don't be a Disneyland dad (or mom) - don't attempt to buy your child's love;
10. Most of the time, all children want and need is love.

Jason Pistiner, Esq.
SINGER PISTINER, P.C.
602-264-0110
jp@singerpistiner.com
www.singerpistiner.com