Love and Logic’s Dr. Charles Fay offers tips for helping kids cope with divorce (excerpt):
Remember that they need to feel free to love both of you. [Dont’ talk negatively about the other parent and watch your nonverbal messages.]
Understand that the healthier you grieve, the healthier they will. [Don’t get stuck in anger and don’t act in ways that interfere with your children’s relationship with the other parent.]
Resist the urge to parent through guilt. [Your goal is to help your children become respectful and responsible adults.]
Listen, listen, listen…and empathize. [Help your kids understand it’s okay to be upset about the separation but not okay to act in disrespectful or irresponsible ways.]