How to Help Your Kids Cope With Divorce During COVID-19
Divorce is never easy. It changes life as you and your spouse know it and if any children are involved, it also changes their life. Some situations can make an already difficult process even harder to deal with, such as being in the middle of a pandemic. Learn a few tips that you can use to help your kids cope with divorce during COVID-19.
Why Coping With Divorce During a Pandemic May Be More Difficult
There are a few reasons why the state of our current world can make it harder to cope with a divorce. For one, children’s schedules are already constantly changing. They went from attending school daily to taking classes in front of a computer. In the last year, the rules continue to change and children never know what to expect, which can cause a lot of stress and anxiety.
Because divorce brings its own degree of uncertainty, this can add an additional element to it that makes it harder to cope. Finally, with fewer social interactions, children may feel like they have fewer people to discuss or vent to. They may not have the same access to their friends, teachers, or other family members, which can cause them to feel more isolated.
How to Help Kids Cope During COVID-19
Here are a few ways that you can help your child cope with an upcoming divorce during the Coronavirus pandemic:
- Be open and honest: The current landscape of the world can be confusing and difficult to navigate as a child. Instead of trying to protect them by keeping certain information from them, try to be open and honest. They will eventually learn that they can come to you with questions they have.
- Present a mutual relationship: Children’s relationships are already being affected due to the Coronavirus. Try to set any strong emotions aside and co-parent together.
- Provide them with an outlet: Sometimes, kids need to cope in their own way. Help them find healthy ways to cope, like video chatting with friends or investing themselves into a favorite hobby. Demonstrate to them how important self-care is and how this can be a good way to deal with confusion.
- Maintain a routine: The Coronavirus has already changed most people’s schedules and routines and continues to do so. Despite the divorce, do your best to maintain a consistent routine with your child. This means a schedule that stays the same each week and consistent rules between different households.
Navigating a divorce is never simple. When you consider other factors, like a worldwide pandemic, it can bring up new challenges. The best way to deal with these challenges is to plan for them. Keep open communication with your spouse, and your child. Let them know that it’s okay to ask questions.
How to Get On the Same Page As Your Ex-Spouse
A lot of these tips rely on a mutual agreement between you and your spouse, which is not always easy to do, especially after a divorce. Working with a divorce mediator can help you and your ex-spouse come up with a routine that works for the whole family. You can also rely on a divorce mediator to assist with your divorce negotiations.
Contact a Cherry Hill Family Law Attorney for a Consultation About Divorce in New Jersey Today
If you are thinking about filing for divorce, or if you have already started the divorce process and are dealing with another matter such as child custody, child support, or division of assets, you need to speak with a qualified attorney. Family law attorney, Lois Garber Schwartz, Esq. represents clients throughout the state, including Cherry Hill, Haddonfield, Moorestown, and Marlton. She understands how challenging this time can be for you, which is why she will fight hard to protect your interests, and the interests of your loved ones, throughout the legal process. Call her at (856) 482-8799 or fill out our confidential contact form to schedule a consultation. She has an office conveniently located at 1040 Kings Highway N., Suite 202, Cherry Hill, NJ 08034.
The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.