By Rosalind Sedacca, CDC
During and after divorce your children may be hypersensitive about many things. What may have formerly been routine conversations are no longer that. Questions or activities can now be touchy subjects fraught with anxiety, resentment or ager.
This is understandable when you consider that the stability of the world they knew has been dramatically altered. Minor insecurities can easily grow into major problems. Children may regress in their behaviors and skills. They may become more clinging, aggressive or more aloof – depending on their adaptability and perspective about the divorce.
This is a time to master the art of good parent/child communication. Time to reinforce or rebuild trust, security and confidence that things will be okay again despite the changes inflicted by your divorce.
Here are some solid tips for more effective communication with your children. Master them today and they will work on your behalf for years and years ahead.
PROVIDE PRIVACY
· Keep your conversations private – at times when others are not around. This assures a more relaxed connection, more intimacy and safety. Your child is more likely to open up and confide their real feelings when they know they have your full attention. That means close the computer, put down the phone, turn off the TV. Let your child know you are interested in what they are feeling and saying.
LISTEN CAREFULLY
· Listen carefully to get the gist of what they are saying, even if you don’t like the message. Don’t interrupt or correct them as they speak. You’ll have your turn. If they don’t feel “heard” you are likely not going to have another chance at real communication. Here’s where “active listening” skills are a real plus. So paraphrase back what you think you’ve heard. Look directly at them, and nod your head to show you’re listening. Then ask if you got the message right after you’ve repeated it.
FORGO THE WHY
· Focus more on what happened rather than “why.” Allow the entire story to be told or all their feelings to be shared. Be mindful not to get defensive or jump to judgment. You can still parent, explain your values, and support your decisions. But do it while not minimizing your child’s right to their own “take” on things. Also remind your child that they are loved and accepted, despite what they think or have done. You can reject the behavior without rejecting the child.
BE RESPECTFUL
· Avoid the lectures, the smug ”I told you so’s,” the moralizing put-downs. These become forms of embarrassing your children, especially if others are around. Instead offer constructive ways to remedy the situation when possible. Brainstorm together. Remind your child that not all challenges can be neatly resolved or agreed upon by all parties. This can be a valuable life-lesson for them if shared with empathy, compassion and insight.
BEHAVE RESPONSIBLY
· Don’t put down or demean their other parent, as tempting as it may be for you. Allow your child to love both of you without feeling guilt or shame. Never share adult information with your child, even a teen. They are not prepared to process it and are helpless to change adult situations. Allow them the innocence of childhood while you continue to parent as a mature adult.
While it’s often easier to provide negative feedback, try to end your discussions on a positive tone. This will encourage additional conversations and their willingness to confide in you again when things are not going well.
Find something you can praise in their behavior or their communication so they feel valued and significant. Remember, divorce imposes changes within the family that your children never asked for. With these thoughts in mind you’ll deepen your relationship with your children at a time when they need it most!
Feeling challenged or overwhelmed? Seek out support from a Divorce Coach who is family oriented and has your child’s best interest at heart. Learn some new skills. You will be better prepared to face communication challenges with your kids long into the future.
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Rosalind Sedacca, CDC is the founder of the Child-Centered Divorce Network, a Divorce & Co-Parenting Coach and author of the acclaimed ebook, How Do I Tell the Kids About the Divorce? A Create-a-Storybook Guide to Preparing Your Children — With Love! To get her free ebook, coaching services, expert interviews, programs, e-courses and other valuable resources on divorce and co-parenting, visit: https://www.childcentereddivorce.com
© Rosalind Sedacca All rights reserved.