People in New Jersey get married, start a family and plan to live happily ever after. Sadly, in about 50% of cases this may not happen. At some point divorce may enter the picture and cause major disruption and anguish within the family. This is particularly true when young children are involved.
Children are very perceptive beings where their parents are concerned. A family is a unit and has a cultural rhythm all its own. Children can pick up on interruptions or changes to that culture that can be brought on by an impending divorce. They may suffer distress without understanding where it’s coming from. Such distress may result in stomach aches or unexplained crying jags.
While a parent’s instinct at a time like this is to kiss it and make it better, that may not be the best answer in this situation. Instead, validate what the child is feeling and guide him or her to understand. This technique is known as emotion coaching and can be useful in helping children deal with stressful situations. Telling a child of an impending divorce should be done carefully and without bitterness. Children frequently blame themselves, which may only aggravate the stress they are already experiencing.
Divorce is difficult and all the more so when young children are involved. A parent considering divorce in New Jersey may benefit from seeking the counsel of an experienced family law attorney. A knowledgeable attorney can review the family dynamic and situation and assist in arriving at a settlement that is fair to all parties involved.