Divorce Warm-up: You have probably known someone who has gone through a divorce

Coping With Divorce

Dealing with divorce is similar to coping with a death.

The following are suggestions to help in coping with a divorce:

• Consistent visitation 5. Support of
• Economic stability family & friends
• Community resources 6. Family therapy
• Mediation

What are some simple activities that families going through a divorce might do to strengthen each other?

**Be sure that children understand that the divorce is NOT their fault.**

Divorce will not have the same effect on all children.

The consequences vary, depending on:

• children's ages,
• family characteristics,
• level of family conflict,
• parent-child relationships,
• socio-economic level,
• mental well-being of each parent,
• maternal employment,
• amount of social support.
• Some divorces bring relief to families while others leave the family devastated.

Effects of Divorce by Age

Age Theme Symptoms What to do
2-5 Abandonment Sleep Explain custodial
disturbances parent will return.
5-9 Displaced, School Discuss fears,
Grief difficulties Contact with
non-custodial
parent.
9-12 Acting out Spying, fight Patience, love
with parents.
13+ Relationship Independence, Communication,
failure promiscuous encourage
relationships.

Adjusting to Divorce

Parents can help children adjust to divorce by:

• decreasing conflict,
• relationship with parents,
• economic stability,
• and consistent visitation.

Some Legal Aspects of Divorce

• Alimony
• Child support
• Custody
• Division of assets

The Major Challenges of Single Parenting Include:

• Day Care Issues
• Personal time
• Economic Stability