When a parent in Alaska or elsewhere has to discuss a sensitive topic with his or her children, it can be stressful. When the topic happens to be divorce, a parent might worry that the children in question might have a difficult time coping with the situation. There are several things a parent can do to be proactive in helping children coming to terms with lifestyle changes and letting them know that their feelings matter.
Avoid overloading kids with information they don’t need
A parent might think it is always best to be open and honest with children about a family problem. This can backfire, however, if the information being given exceeds what a particular child is mature enough to handle. For instance, a young child is not likely going to benefit from learning the details of a parent’s love affair. A parent whose goal is to help a child cope with divorce will avoid overloading him or her with information that he or she is not emotionally or mentally mature enough to process.
Co-parenting as a team is always best for kids
Children who are constantly exposed to parental conflict in a divorce may have a difficult time coping. On the other hand, if both parents are willing to work together to schedule custody exchanges, special events, and daily logistics for school, sports, etc., it helps children come to terms with lifestyle changes while retaining a sense of “family” at the same time. It may be easier for a child to believe that his or her feelings matter when his or her parents cooperate with each other to make their children’s best interests a priority.
Protect children from situations that place them at risk
If a parent in Alaska has reason to believe that his or her former spouse is a detriment to his or her kids, the law provides recourse to seek the court’s intervention. For instance, if a parent can show evidence to a family court judge that his or her ex has a drug or alcohol addiction, the court may determine that visitation should be supervised or prohibited altogether. Children of divorce often cope better when they believe the adults in their lives are looking out for their safety and best interests.
