Divorce is a difficult time for the entire family. As you and your spouse work towards separation, it’s important to take the whole family into consideration, especially children. Kids may often be confused, anxious, or angry when they don’t receive the help that they need through the divorce process. Counseling for kids can greatly benefit both the children and the parents when dealing with divorce.
Divorce Counseling: It’s Not Just You & Your Spouse
When considering separating from your partner, couples’ therapy or marital counseling may be high on your list of priorities. Whether you aim to help the relationship or ease the separation process, couples counseling can smooth out the divorce process. Family counseling, on the other hand, also takes into account your kids and how they’re dealing with the divorce.
In family counseling, your kids have a neutral space where they can share their opinions, feelings, and concerns about family life. Some kids may be blaming themselves for their parents’ separation, and with the assistance of a counselor, family bonds can be reaffirmed, and the difficult situation dealt with in a calm environment. Parents might also need a helping hand to connect with their children in the best possible way during the separation, making sure that kids know they’re loved and that their best interests are being taken care of.
Why Counseling For Kids During A Divorce So Important
At a time when family bonds may seem uncertain, it’s important to make sure that your kids know that they are loved and that there are people ready to help them through the uncertain times. Different children will have different needs, and a counselor can help pinpoint how best to help kids through a family separation.
In counseling, kids and parents can work together to form new routines and keep the bonds between children and parents strong. While parents may be quick to place blame on the other party, it can benefit kids to work out these issues in a neutral space.
It’s also important for parents to understand when a professional’s help might be needed. It’s hard for parents to stay neutral during divorce proceedings, and in some cases, this could have an effect on a child’s perceptions of their parents and divorce in general.
Finding A New Normal With Divorce Counseling
With divorce comes new routines and a new normal for kids to get used to. Depending on your separation agreement, kids might be moving between houses to spend time with both parents, and they’ll have to get used to the changes that occur in their daily lives. For very young children, routine plays a large role in managing their emotions and activities, and any major change to this routine can cause stress.
Children in middle school, while old enough to understand the concept of divorce, may feel more anxious about how the family unit is going to work moving forward. With a counselor to guide the family, they can benefit from the situation being explained to them and have the opportunity to voice their opinions and feelings.
Teenagers may feel the need to act out when faced with the emotional tension of a family experiencing a divorce. Counseling helps to reconnect family members with each other, teach clear communication, and ease the uncertainties that come along with the divorce process. By setting out a clear and defined routine for family events and contact, kids can work to find the new normal and adjust without difficulty.
Family & Divorce Counseling In Broward County
Even amicable divorce proceedings can cause emotional uncertainty for children. Just as you would seek counseling for yourself and your spouse, consider bringing your kids to see a counselor to help them adjust to big changes. Contact Fifth Street Counseling Center at 954-797-5222 and let us help you and your children through this difficult time.
We accept Medicaid and all major insurance and we offer affordable self-pay rates.
