A divorce or separation is a stressful time for everyone involved, no matter how amicable the split might be. It can be a particularly emotional time for your child. Their world as they know it is changing and they need to adjust to a new normal. The best thing you can do is reassure them that both of you still love them very much.
Children react to divorce in different ways. They may even feel like they are to blame for it. Often, they feel anxious, angry, or show a significant change in their behaviour. These reactions are common and to be expected. You can help them through this by being patient and supporting them as they get used to the changes.
This significant change to life as they know it can feel much like a bereavement. Many children feel a sense of loss and can look for someone to blame. Your child may have conflicting feelings, feel loyal to both of you and worried about losing you, or be stuck in the middle.
Some children may start trying risky behaviours, or behaving in a very different way to before. You may find they’re always angry, defiant or show very changeable emotions – happy one minute, then very upset the next. Others become quieter and seem to withdraw into themselves or seek lots of reassurance because they feel insecure.
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