Raising children after a divorce can be a major challenge. To help them feel more secure, you and your former spouse should collaborate to develop consistent rules and routines in each household. Aiming for consistency does not mean you and your co-parent need to have identical parenting styles. However, you should work toward creating as much consistency as is reasonably possible.
Establishing Consistency After a Divorce
Children, regardless of age, thrive best when they have reliable routines. When discussing the routines and rules you plan on establishing for your kids, think about morning and bedtime routines, when they are allowed to watch TV, when they are expected to complete their homework, and when they will have their meals. These elements can all help create a solid structure for your children no matter which parent they visit.
Here are some other areas you and your former spouse should consider as you work to create consistency in both homes:
- Transitioning: You should make visitation as easy as possible for your children by making the transition smoother. Consider creating consistent routines for how you plan to drop-off, pick-up, and say goodbye to your children.
- Rules: Not only will your children need routines to provide some structure and stability, but they will also need rules to follow. Make sure you both clearly communicate your expectations as well as the potential consequences of failing to comply with the rules.
- Consequences and Rewards: You and your co-parent should also agree on appropriate consequences and rewards for your children. It can create a substantial amount of confusion for your children if one parent is stricter than the other and it will likely create tension in the family.
If the rules and routines you initially set forth seem less ideal in practice, you and your ex may have to revisit them, so try to remain open to refining them as needed. Together, you can ease your children’s fears and anxieties through effective collaboration.
Discuss the Details of Your Family Law Case with an Experienced Attorney Today!
Even after the ink dries on your divorce papers, you and your former spouse may still require legal assistance, especially if you have children. At the Law Office of Russell S. Hershkowitz, L.L.C., our family law attorney is committed to providing skilled legal advocacy and will work tirelessly on your behalf to protect your interests. We know how sensitive such legal matters are and will help you navigate them as smoothly as possible.
Reach out to our law office today at (407) 753-4111 to set up a free initial consultation with our compassionate attorney.