DIVORCE
- Seek to avoid divorce with as much energy as you sought to be married.
- If you decide you must divorce, make your children and their desires a higher priority than your own.
- Don't make negative or snide comments about the other parent
- Don't fight with the other parent in front of the children
- Never ask the child to choose between parents
- Never make the child feel guilty about wanting to see the other parent
- Never tell the child they are the reason for the divorce
- Do not use your child to relay messages to the other parent
- Do not reveal details about the divorce in an attempt to get the child on "your side".
- Don't use your children as someone to "unload on" or talking to them about adult subjects like child support
- Acknowledge the other parent exists
- Don't blame the divorce on the other parent
- Never tell the children you are poor because of the other parent
- Never ignore your children because you are so wrapped up in your own issues
- Don't question your child about the other parent’s activities
- Be generous with parenting time with the other parent
- Always allow the children to communicate with their other parent
- Refrain from "buying" the children through excessive gift giving and activities to "show up" the other parent and buy the children’s affection
- Always inform the other parent about special activities and achievements of the children; never attempt to exclude the other parent
- Become a child advocate.
Click here to learn more about divorce.
SOURCES:
- Child Abuse and Divorce: Red Flag Warning Signs (WOTV 4 Women)
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
- Ten Tips for Preventing Divorce (Today.com)