Divorce, like life, is rarely neat and packaged. This is especially true for divorcing parents. The reality of divorce comes with unexpected twists, constant frustrations and times of utter helplessness when children act up or pull away. Here are three tips for coping with times when your children are venting, lashing out or expressing their own frustrations about being caught up in a family adjusting to separation or divorce. Diffusing blame. Some children, especially pre-teens and teens, may blame one parent or the other for the divorce. Sometimes they may be correct in this interpretation given circumstances they have been aware of for years (alcoholism, absent parent, domestic violence, etc.). Other times they side with one parent as a result of their prior relationship ... dynamics with that parent. Regardless of why you or your spouse is being blamed, keep your cool. In many cases blaming is a defense against
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A recent article I read in a Florida newspaper talks about proposed changes to child custody legislation. An investigative committee is being formed to consider whether “shared parenting may be the best custodial situation for all children of divorcing parents.” While I am a strong advocate of shared parenting – it worked very successfully for me – I do not believe it’s the right or only answer for everyone. Because every situation is different when it comes to divorce, I certainly don’t believe legislation should be determining custody outcomes for any family. These are issues that caring, conscious parents should be deciding together with only one goal in mind ... – the very best interest of their children. Unfortunately, too many parents approach this issue as adversaries. When child custody becomes a battle, everyone loses. Parents are pitted against each other and innocent children inevitably pay the price. When custodial
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July is Child-Centered Divorce Month Join us in celebrating Child-Centered Divorce Month this July. This is a time for parents, therapists, attorneys, educators, clergy and other professionals to focus on the importance of putting children's needs first and foremost when divorce or separation is pending. Most of the negative consequences of divorce result from one or both parents making choices that are not in the best interest of their children. Frequently, parents are so caught up in their own emotional drama -- in anger, resentment, frustration and sometimes outright hatred of their former spouse -- that they make decisions based on ...
Meet Rosalind Sedacca, CDC The Voice of Child-Centered Divorce https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gkjBURhXL5A Rosalind Sedacca, CDC Hi, I'm Rosalind, a Divorce & Co-Parenting Coach, mother and mentor. I founded the Child-Centered Divorce Network for parents ten years after my own divorce which took place when my son was eleven years old. You can read about my personal journey below. Having raised a child through divorce and the years that followed I understand much of what you are going through. Like you, I’ve felt the pain, fear, anxiety, anger, hurt and other emotions that deeply impact so many divorces with children. Most important of all, I’ve helped parents understand what your children may be experiencing as a consequence of your divorce. They are the innocent victims – and need to be protected, loved and nurtured every step of the way. I am passionate about helping families find the best path
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