Remaining guilt-free in your parenting is nearly impossible for any parent. However, in a divorce, the guilt can move in and set up for months when you’re constantly worried about your own parenting skills, your ex-spouse’s parenting skills and anyone else who is suddenly in your children’s lives.
Ex-spouses deal with the overwhelming parenting issues that crop up in divorce in different ways, and there are a few steps that can make the transition easier for you and the children:
- Focus on turning your house into a home. If you remain in the residence, reclaim the house for you and the children. Replace newly empty areas with new or re-arranged furniture. You don’t want to completely change the space because children may view it as you trying to wipe out the memory of their other parent. If you have moved into a new place, let the children help you decorate it. Get rid of packing boxes as soon as possible, and make the place feel familiar by incorporating a few items from the “old place” into your new space.
- Support your ex in being a good parent. If you can keep the animosity level near the bottom and keep your focus on being a good parent, your ex- and the children will appreciate your efforts to keep the peace. Trying to win favor with the children just to make yourself appear to be the better parent, cuts down your ex- and the children will begin to feel torn between the fun parent and the disciplinarian.
Look for Part Two of Guilt-Free (well, almost) Parenting After Divorce on our next blog.
Getting Legal Help
Experienced Sacramento Family Law Attorney Hal Bartholomew can help you navigate your divorce and child custody issues with respect and compassion. Contact Bartholomew & Wasznicky LLP today for knowledgeable and respectful representation. Call us at (916) 455-5200 or email us at info@DivorceWithRespect.com
