Children of divorce

Most of the time, I write about topics I know.  I am blessed to have a loving husband and strong healthy children and grandchildren.  However, sometimes a topic comes up that I need to research for my readers.  That topic is children of divorce.  Naturally, all families have disagreements and life's hurdles that need to be overcome, but most of us get over them and get on with our lives.  Others, however, never succeed in surmounting those obstacles to happiness.  Those are the families of divorce... Families where stability is not the norm and daily arguments cloud the home environment. Here then, are some resources that may help ease the transition:

• http://www.childrenanddivorce.com/
• http://www.helpguide.org/mental/children_divorce.htm
• http://www.divorceandchildren.com/
• http://www.aacap.org/cs/root/facts_for_families/children_and_divorce

And here is some advice from that last link:

Do not keep your divorce a secret or wait until the last minute.

Tell your child together with your spouse what will happen after the divorce.

Keep things simple and straight-forward.

Tell them the divorce is not their fault.

Admit that this will be sad and upsetting for everyone.

Reassure your child that you both still love them and will always be their parents.

Do not discuss each other’s faults or problems with the child.

Also remember to call in your support group of extended family, friends, and perhaps a counselor or clergy to help with the transition.  I truly hope none of you has to endure the shattering of a family, but in some cases, it is necessary for the sanity of all involved.  In that case, make sure your children understand the it's not their fault and that they can actually help the parents ease their own anxieties.