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Divorce can be a traumatic experience not just for affected spouses but for children as well. No matter what one’s child custody arrangements entail post-divorce, it is important for newly structured familes to bond in strong and healthy ways. Creating new memories and traditions while honoring any old traditions that still make sense within the new family structure will help all family members to bond together and become stronger in the wake of transition.
It is perhaps most important that parents simply make time for their children during this challenging time. When newly single parents are trying to juggle work, household duties and other responsibilities, time can feel like it is evaporating more rapidly than usual. However, the time you make for your children during transition will be critical for your family moving forward. Whether you simply make a weekend movie date with them or cook dinner while they tell you about their day, understand that every moment you can make for quality time with them will be felt and likely appreciated.
In addition, it can also be helpful to start new traditions within your newly re-structured family. These traditions can be related to holiday celebrations but they need not be. For example, you and your kids can institute Tuesday Taco Night or monthly trips to the local mini golf course for a friendly family competition. Even if kids resist these attempts to bond, they will benefit from your efforts to try on their behalf.
If you are remaining in your children’s lives post-divorce and place their needs at the forefront of your mind, it is hard to go wrong. However, making time for them and creating new traditions are great ways to build upon the foundation of family and love you already have.
Source: Huffington Post, “Kids And Divorce: How To Maintain A Sense Of Family With The Kids After Divorce,” June 22, 2013
