Divorce can take an emotional toll on both spouses. It’s not easy to accept that a relationship is over after putting so much into it.
Fortunately, adults are often equipped with the necessary emotional tools to process the divorce and recover quickly. For children, on the other hand, it can be more tricky. As parents, you may need to look out for signs that your children are struggling post-divorce, like the ones discussed below.
Significant personality changes
All children act out in one way or another as they grow up. However, there is a difference between acting out occasionally and significant changes in personality.
Post-divorce, if your previously outgoing child has become increasingly withdrawn, this could be a cause for concern. The same applies if your child was very laid back pre-divorce but has now become very argumentative.
A drop in school performance
Children spend most of their time at school. It’s possible that your child may show very little sign of struggling at home. While it’s difficult for you and your co-parent to know what’s happening at school, teachers can help with this.
Post-divorce, it can be beneficial to keep in touch with teachers. You may even choose to tell the school about the divorce before proceedings begin. This way, everyone is focused on the best interests of the child from the beginning.
One way to help settle your children post-divorce is to have a solid parenting plan in place. This is something that you can discuss pre-divorce as you seek legal information. You’ll also be able to adapt custody to meet the best interests of your child as they grow up.