Divorce is very common within the United States, affecting many families with children. Approximately 50% of American children will witness the breakup of a parent’s marriage. During this time, many changes may occur, including changes in child custody. To make the transition as smooth as possible, it’s best to prepare your children for what’s to come.
Child Custody: Preparing Yourself First
Before you can prepare your children, it’s best to prepare yourself first. Whether a new custody plan is in order, or changes are happening to an existing plan, it’s best to familiarize yourself with the changes. Look over your custody plan and speak to your attorney about any questions or concerns you may have.
There are many things to consider when custody changes occur. For example, will custody exchanges between you and your spouse need to happen at new times during the week? Will your child be spending more time with you instead of your spouse? Be sure you have everything planned out before you speak to your child.
How to Prepare Your Child for Custody Changes
Any change to your child’s routine will be difficult at first. But, preparing your child ahead of time will help them cope with their new routine.
- Communicate as soon as possible: As soon as you have a plan in place, it’s time to communicate. You don’t want to blindside your child with surprising changes. Allow your child time to process by explaining what happens next.
- Allow your child to ask questions: Your child will have questions, so it’s best to be prepared to answer them. You may need to explain why the changes were made, how school or extracurricular activities will be affected, etc. The key is to stay honest.
- Reach out for help: Sometimes, certain changes can be difficult for your child to understand on their own. If you find that your child isn’t coping with the new changes, it’s time to reach out for help. You can try reaching out to a professional counselor or child therapist for assistance.
Is Your Custody Plan Working for You?
Is your current child custody plan causing you and your child unnecessary stress or anxiety? Do you feel as if your child could benefit from changes in your custody plan? You should consider reaching out to a professional attorney. To learn more about child custody or how to best prepare for custody changes, send us a message.
