Nearly 50% of marriages end in divorce these days and according to the Associated Press, Florida has one of the higher rates in the country.Parents invariably divorce for a multitude of reasons, but their ultimate goal is to create a happier, healthier life for themselves and their children.What parents often overlook is that their actions during this difficult time can facilitate a smooth, informed, supportive transition for the children involved.The counselors and life coaches at Life Skills Resource Group Orlando can help guide families through this difficult time of transition.

Children and parents all approach and experience divorce in different ways, but there is one common fact that all families come to realize – when parents divorce, no matter what the situation, life will be changing for you and your children. It is during this time that parents wonder how to help their child best adjust to the changes that are about to take place. These questions can persist long after a divorce is final, and it’s important to know that it is never too late to make positive changes. If you have not yet divorced, you may just now be thinking about how to help your child with these life changes. One of the most important things a parent can do for their child in this difficult time is to ensure that the child knows they did not cause the divorce and they cannot stop the divorce from happening. The child also needs to consistently hear from both parents that they still love him or her regardless of what has happened in the past or what happens in the future between the parents. It is also important for children to be aware that they have the right to love both parents equally, no matter how the parents may feel about one another.

Divorce is often coupled with anger, sadness, confusion, worry, and many other feelings that need to be expressed in a healthy, supportive environment. In the groups I conduct for children of divorce I am constantly amazed at the number of children who think it is wrong to be angry or sad. It is important for all individuals, adults and children alike, to understand that all feelings are ok. We cannot deny our feelings, or our children’s feelings, but we must be aware of healthy and appropriate ways to express these feelings.

Often, parents don’t really understand how to appropriately express their own feelings, and therefore, can’t encourage their child to express theirs.However, there are some steps parents can take, such as taking a parenting class, joining a parent support group, attending individual counseling, enrolling their children in a support group for children of divorce, like the one starting this June at Life Skills Resource Group, or by using appropriate listening and reflection skills when their child is sharing their feelings. Children invariably learn from their parents and imitate their behavior, and being aware of this is necessary for effective parenting.Parenting classes or individual counseling can help parents learn appropriate ways to express their feelings and then in turn teach these skills to their children.

Divorce is a difficult time for the entire family filled with confusion, change, and heightened emotions. However, it can also be a time for new beginnings and an opportunity to build stronger family relationships. The Orlando counselors and life coaches at Life Skills Resource Group have made a commitment to help individuals, couples, children, adolescents, and families incorporate positive healthy skills into their lives and would be honored to help you and your family. Please read about OUR TEAM here at Life Skills Resource Group in Orlando and become familiar with the counselors and life coaches who are willing to help you on your journey.

Phone consultations are always FREE.

AMY~To read more about Amy’s work at LSRG