301-806-8495 | info@dregetachew.com

New Beginnings Therapeutic Center

  • New Beginnings Therapeutic Center
  • Home
  • Meet Our Team
  • Services
    • For Individuals
      • Depression
      • Anxiety
      • Trauma
    • For Couples
  • Getting Started
    • FAQ’s
    • Investment & Insurance
    • Appointment Request
  • Blog
  • Contact

October 15, 2018 by Eleni Getachew

How to Help Your Child Transition into a 2-Home Scenario After Divorce

Going through a divorce can be a tumultuous time for any adult, and for children it can feel like their world is falling apart. It can be confusing for children to have two homes, particularly in the early stages of divorce. But there are ways to bring positivity and excitement to this change, while reducing your child’s stress significantly.

Provide Stability

Help your child adjust to the changes in your family by providing as much stability as possible. Having established routines and continuity between their two homes will help your son or daughter feel safe and secure. You don’t need to have a strict schedule, just routines that your child can expect when they wake up, before they go to bed and when they come home. For example, there’s always a bath or a story before bedtime, and a healthy snack when they get home. Resist the temptation to overcompensate by lavishing your child with gifts, or letting them get away with things they normally would not. Structure in your home will help your children feel calm and stable.

Ease The Transition

Help ease the transition for your children by having a neutral pickup and drop off spot, such as your child’s school. You can drop your son or daughter off at school in the morning, and your ex can pick them at the end of the school day. This also eliminates stress for the child and sad goodbyes. Children are very perceptive and will be keenly aware of any sadness, anger, or frustration you may be feeling if you drop them off at your ex’s new place.

Give Kids Choices

Allowing your child to have a say will help them feel empowered, lessening any feelings they may have about things being out of their control. Have them pick out a new bedspread or pillows to decorate their space, or ask them to decide on a special dinner over the weekend. You can make them their favorite meal, try something new, or they can choose a restaurant they’d like to go to.

Reduce Stress on Arrivals

You can help your child adjust to the changes between two homes by making their arrival from your ex’s house as positive and structured as possible. Come up with a special but simple routine for when they come home. Something pleasant and comforting, such as sharing a snack or playing a game. Resist the temptation to bombard them with questions; let them unwind and process the change in their own time.

 

Your child has two parents living in two separate homes, but they only have one childhood. By remaining a positive force in your child’s life and maintaining stability, you can help them transition into their new normal.

Are you struggling with divorce, and need the support and guidance of a licensed professional? I can help. Please give my office a call today, and let’s schedule a time to talk.

Share this:

  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)

Related

Filed Under: Couples/Marriage, Family Therapy, Teens/Children

301-806-8495
 

info@dregetachew.com
 

Spring Valley
4315 50th Street NW Suite 100 PMB 7028
Washington, DC 20016
 

Old Town
901 N Washington St #601
Alexandria, VA 22314
 

 

Online Therapy

Contact

 

301-806-8495
 

info@dregetachew.com
 

Spring Valley
4315 50th Street NW Suite 100 PMB 7028
Washington, DC 20016
 

Old Town
901 N Washington St #601
Alexandria, VA 22314
 

 

Online Therapy

Contact

 

301-806-8495
 

info@dregetachew.com
 

Spring Valley
4315 50th Street NW Suite 100 PMB 7028
Washington, DC 20016
 

Old Town
901 N Washington St #703
Alexandria, VA 22314
 

 

Online Therapy

Contact

 

301-806-8495
 

info@dregetachew.com
 

Spring Valley
4315 50th Street NW Suite 100 PMB 7028
Washington, DC 20016
 

Old Town
901 N Washington St #601
Alexandria, VA 22314
 

 

Online Therapy

Contact

 

301-806-8495
 

info@dregetachew.com
 

Spring Valley
4315 50th Street NW Suite 100 PMB 7028
Washington, DC 20016
 

Old Town
901 N Washington St #601
Alexandria, VA 22314
 

 

Online Therapy

Contact

 

Send A Message

By submitting this form via this web portal, you acknowledge and accept the risks of communicating your health information via this unencrypted email and electronic messaging and wish to continue despite those risks. By clicking "Yes, I want to submit this form" you agree to hold Brighter Vision harmless for unauthorized use, disclosure, or access of your protected health information sent via this electronic means.

Office Hours

Office Hours are Available by Request

Find My Office

Spring Valley

Old Town

Contact

Spring Valley
4315 50th Street NW Suite 100 PMB 7028
Washington, DC 20016

Old Town
901 N Washington Street #703
Alexandria, VA 22314

301-806-8495
info@dregetachew.com

A Therapist Website by Brighter Vision | Privacy Policy