By Rosalind Sedacca, CDC
For the past 14 years January has been recognized as International Child-Centered Divorce Month. Divorce professionals on four continents around the world have come together on a special website with free gifts and resources for parents. These include ebooks, coaching services, video webinars and more for parents facing, moving through or transitioning after divorce.
You are invited to visit https://www.divorcedparentsupport.com for immediate access to many of these valuable gifts.
January, following the winter holiday season, is the month when most divorces are filed. This year, due to the pandemic, divorces are increasing around the world. And co-parenting challenges for already divorced parents are increasing. That’s why it’s so important for parents, therapists, attorneys, educators and other professionals to put children’s needs first when divorce or separation is pending.
Poor parental decisions lead to bad divorce outcomes for kids!
Most of the negative consequences of divorce result from one or both parents making bad choices. Usually not in the best interest of their children. Too often parents get caught up in their own emotional drama — anger, resentment, frustration and outright hatred of their former spouse. Consequently, they make decisions based on hurting, spiting or getting even.
Inevitably, innocent children are caught up in a vicious parental tug of war, be it physical or emotional. They are asked to keep or share secrets, relay messages, choose between who who they like best. Sometimes they’re even kept from contact with the other parent. Parents who do this are giving little thought as to how this behavior affects their child. Especially their self-esteem, sense of security and ability to trust the adults in their lives.
Feeling they cannot safely confide in their parents, these children are forced to “grow up” far too soon. Some may recede into themselves and put up a wall that mistrusts “outsiders.” Others may act out and become bullies, gang members, or caught up with drugs and other challenging behaviors. Still others may become depressed or angry and lose the joyful innocence of childhood.
Regardless of how they handle parental dysfunction during and after divorce, these children all deserve better. They deserve to know that none of this is their fault. They deserve to know that both parents still love them — and always will. They deserve to know that, despite the changes in their life, they will still be okay. They need parents who are putting their children’s best interest at heart. Putting them first. Remembering that regardless of divorce, they will always be the parents of these precious children — and should hold that awareness above all else.
Share the website and the message for parents!
I encourage professionals who counsel divorcing families to observe International Child-Centered Divorce Month by sharing the special website with their clients and community. To reach out to schools and churches offering these free resources for parents. And I encourage parents to take advantage of the expert advice and tips available to them all through January.
Help us spread the word that when parents divorce, your children need you more than ever. Don’t let them down.
For all the free gifts and resources, visit: https://www.DivorcedParentSupport.com
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Rosalind Sedacca, CDC is the founder of the Child-Centered Divorce Network, a Divorce & Co-Parenting Coach and author of numerous books, e-courses and programs on divorcing with children and co-parenting successfully. For instant download of her FREE EBOOK on Doing Co-Parenting Right: Success Strategies For Avoiding Painful Mistakes! go to: childcentereddivorce.com/book
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