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Having a positive relationship with your children is essential when raising them. It can be difficult to know how to continue doing that after a life-changing event such as divorce. However, it is possible to continue providing your children with the relationship that they need to thrive in life. It just requires a concerted effort and open communication between co-parents.
Having tips and suggestions to help you maintain your positive parent-child relationship can ease you into the process. Furthermore, The Law Office Of Yeazell And Sweet can provide you with the benefits of maintaining these relationships.
Tips for Maintaining The Relationship
You might find yourself wondering what you can do to encourage a positive relationship with your children after divorce. There are several things you can do to encourage this beneficial familial bond.
Stay in Contact
In this current day and age, we have the ability to maintain contact with people more efficiently. Between visitation times, you have the opportunity to use video chatting services such as FaceTime or Skype to hear and see your children. Older kids might have their own cell phones, allowing them to have a way to connect to you as well. This will encourage a more natural and regular relationship, rather than just waiting on scheduled visitation times.
When contacting your children, ask them questions about their days and activities. Remain invested in the things that they are interested in, such as school subjects or hobbies. This will allow you to learn more about your kids and demonstrate that you care.
Be Involved
Just because you and your spouse divorced, that does not mean you cannot continuously show up for the important events in your child’s life. If they have any extracurricular activities, such as sports games or musical performances, make sure to be there. By playing an active part in their special interests and events, you are encouraging a positive relationship with them.
Furthermore, you can commit to making them the main focus of your time when you do have visitation opportunities. Ask them what activities they are interested in taking part in. Cook them their favorite meals or watch their favorite movies. By emphasizing their needs over anything else, you are showing your children just how important they are to you.
Listen Attentively
If your children encounter any issues or have a hard time dealing with emotions, act as a supporter for them. You can actively listen to their feelings, providing them with the guidance they need during this difficult time. When you are listening to them, make sure you provide them with your undivided attention and focus.
Listening will do a lot in building a positive relationship with your children after a divorce. If at all possible, make sure that you can provide them with this regardless of the surrounding circumstances. If you encounter issues that you are unsure how to navigate, consider providing them with an outlet such as a therapist to work through complex emotions.
The Benefits
If you are committed to maintaining a positive relationship with your child after a divorce, you will see many benefits.
Stability
Playing an active role in your child’s life gives them the stability they need to succeed. They will feel comfortable and know exactly what to expect out of their set routines and schedules. Instead of worrying about the next time they will see their parent, they will feel confident in the fact that you are an active participant in their day-to-day life.
Higher Self-Esteem
Maintaining a positive parent-child relationship also has a large impact on self-esteem and mental health in general. Such a big change in life can result in a lack of confidence. They may blame themselves for the change in the relationship without the proper involvement and communication. By being there for them when they need it, they will have a bolster of confidence and feel supported overall.
Better Academic Performance
Divorce and a lack of parental involvement can also result in poor performance in school. They may feel distracted by everything else going on in their lives, unable to focus on tasks set before them. When both parents are involved with their children and are positively parenting, it is easier for them to thrive and participate in school.
Issues Co-Parenting? The Law Office Of Yeazell And Sweet Can Help
If you are encountering issues with your co-parenting plan or agreement, having an attorney on your side can help. Our team can assist in any modifications that are necessary.
To schedule a consultation, call our office at (813) 285-5705 or visit us online.
