As you work on completing your divorce or working through a separation, there are many parts to juggle. Financials, where you will live, and who will have custody of the kids are just some of the questions you may have. Yet, it is also important to think about your child’s mental health and emotional well-being throughout this process. Mental health and divorce go hand-in-hand for kids, too.
Your New Jersey child custody lawyer can help you navigate the legal processes. At Zeigler Law Group, LLC, we handle as much of the process as possible so that you can focus on your family’s needs during this time.
The Emotional Impact of Divorce on Children
Divorce is challenging for everyone, no matter their age or life circumstances. It is a significant change that could impact every facet of your life, and for children, that can often be amplified.
Children often face more uncertainty because they may not know anything other than their parents living in the same household. They may question what they did to cause this or what they could have done to stop it from happening. These are common and expected emotional responses. It is not uncommon for children to feel anxiety, suffer regression, and withdraw from things they love and people they are close to.
As a parent, it is critical to know what to do to support your children through this big change in their lives. Keep the following in mind when it comes to supporting kids through divorce.
Mental Health Warning Signs Parents Shouldn’t Ignore
The most important first step in protecting children’s mental health during divorce is to monitor their overall well-being. Consider the following warning signs that indicate that it may be time to help your child a bit more.
- Changes in sleep behaviors
- Changes in school performance
- Lack of interest in things they love
- Withdrawing from family or friends
- Extreme emotional swings
- Changes in health
In each of these situations, it may be time to seek professional help. Remember that providing your child with support now could help them navigate these massive life changes with more confidence. Just like seeing a doctor when they are ill, a mental health professional is often a necessary investment in tough times.
How to Protect Your Child’s Mental Health During Divorce?
There are various things you can do. When it comes to supporting kids through divorce, focus on the following areas:
- Reduce conflict. In high-conflict divorce in New Jersey, the process is not easy for anyone. Aim to keep arguments out of your kid’s focus. Any high-conflict situation is best handled between just the adults.
- Do not negate your child’s feelings. This is hard for them, no matter how good life may be later.
- Encourage open communication. Be sure to use age- and maturity-appropriate honesty to get through this process.
- Maintain your family’s routines as consistently as possible, including the activities that are important to your child.
- Put your kid’s best interests first in every decision you make.
Legal Tools That Support Children’s Mental Health
Mental health and divorce are huge components of the process. To help support your child’s mental health during the divorce process, focus on these areas.
- Build a Divorce Team: You may have a New Jersey child custody lawyer, but also include a mental health professional on your team as well. That helps you to minimize the impact of missing early warning signs of concerns.
- Parenting Plans: Choose a parenting plan for mental health. That is, choose a parenting plan that creates as much stability and routine as possible for your child.
- Focus on Parallel Parenting: The key here is to be sure both of you are on the same page. That may not be easy, but minimizing parental conflict could be critical.
- Include Counseling: Be sure to include therapy and counseling as components of the custody agreement.
When One Parent Ignores the Child’s Emotional Needs
In some situations, one parent may not be on the same page. New Jersey courts view parental behavior as a component of the decision-making process. The court’s focus is always on the child’s best interests. When one parent behaves in a way that puts the child’s well-being at risk, that could play a role in decision-making.
If you suspect emotional harm, talk to your attorney about what you are experiencing and what your child may be dealing with. Your goal should be to document what is occurring, without encouraging negative talk about the other parent. By including a counseling session in the process, you can document any emotional harm through those professional services.
Your Role as a Parent in Supporting Resilience
As a parent, your goal is to support your child’s long-term resilience. You want your child to succeed. To do that, aim to co-parent with compassion, realizing that your child may benefit from being around their other parent and supporting their best maintenance of those positive relationships.
It also helps to model healthy emotional habits. To do that, you may need to seek help for what you are facing, no matter what the reason or how it is perceived by others. Show your child that it is okay to be sad, angry, and worried. Then, show them the importance of getting help.
Mental Health Resources for Families in New Jersey
There are many resources available that could help you with protecting children’s mental health during divorce:
- Local therapists
- Child psychologists
- Support groups for kids of divorced parents
- Hotlines
- Religious organizations
- School programs
Turn to your child’s school or health insurance provider to find the availability of therapy services.
Working With a Skilled Toms River Divorce Lawyer at Zeigler Law Group, LLC Is Essential
Sonya K. Zeigler, Esq. and her team have a well-earned reputation for committed and fierce legal representation. Our firm is here to provide you with the best possible guidance. Call Zeigler Law Group, LLC at 732-361-4827 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation. Located in Toms River, Red Bank, Princeton, and Mount Laurel, New Jersey, we serve clients throughout Ocean County, Monmouth County, Mercer County, and Burlington County.