While parents are divorcing and after they are divorced, they are often overwhelmed by all the changes in their lives. They may be filled with guilt, blame, rage, or grief. Though they, of course, love their children, it may be a huge challenge to manage emotions and conflict with their ex in a way that helps their children move through the changes and feel loved and secure.
What can parents do to help their children?
- No self neglect. They can take care of themselves so they have energy to support the kids.
- Say goodbye to couple relationship. The relationship as a couple is over. Grieve, say goodby, and instead, focus on how to move forward together only as parents.
- Let go of grudges and resentment. It is challenging but very doable to let go of what happened in the past and focus on making the present as good as possible.
- Don’t go it alone. Conflict and forgiveness coaches can help parents work on communication skills and letting go of resentments. Support groups can give perspective that others are working on the same issues. Therapists can help with unresolved issues from your past that are intensifying the current situation.
- Take advantage of special resources for Child Centered Divorce Month—happening right now. Please see below.
All divorced parents deserve lots of help and gentleness!
International Child-Centered Divorce Month
January is International Child Centered Divorce month, and many professionals are making free offers and giving presentations. Here are some events and resources:
What are the biggest mistakes divorced parents make? Monday January 14th, 12PM Pacific/3PM Eastern. I will be on a panel of divorce professionals, moderated by Dr. Dee Adio-Moses discussing this question.The telephone number for those that may want to call in is 347-215-7002. No charge.
.Is Your Ex Impossible to Talk To? Tips to Start Co-Parenting after Divorce I will offer this free face to face presentation Tuesday January 29th 6:30-7:30 PM at the Sonoma County YMCA 1111 College Ave. Santa Rosa CA 95404. (707) 545-9622.
Free e-books, articles, webinars–Sign up for E-book-Post Divorce Parenting Success Strategies by Rosalind Sedacca and link to many other free offers (including my free report) and events.
Lorraine Segal is a certified conflict management coach, a mediator and trainer specializing in transforming communication and resolving conflict for co-parents. Her business, Conflict Remedy, is based in Santa Rosa, California. She also teaches in the conflict resolution program at Sonoma State University.
To receive her free report, “Tips to Start Co-Parenting after Divorce, visit www.ConflictRemedy.com/co-parenting
Would you like a free telephone conflict assessment? Please contact me through this website or call (707) 236-8079.
