A divorce that is fraught with tension and conflict can be very difficult for a child. When they get caught in the middle, the Child Mind Institute notes, they can become collateral damage.
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A new set of resources from the Child Mind Institute discusses how to shield children from the negative impacts of a divorce – such as prolonged disputes, breakdowns in conflict resolution, and hostility.
The resources discuss how to protect children’s mental health during a high-conflict divorce and how to tell children that you’re getting a divorce in an age-appropriate way. One article discusses why keeping your voice calm during conflict improves a child’s development, while another provides tips on how to navigate differing rules for children when co-parenting.
The institute has also provided a piece on ways to recognize when a child isn’t adjusting in a healthy way to a big change like a divorce, move, or new stepfamily – and how their struggles could lead to an adjustment disorder.
The Child Mind Institute’s resources include:
