Helping Your Kids Cope with Divorce in Utah During the Pandemic
If you’re going through a divorce and you have young children, the COVID-19 pandemic is an opportunity for you to teach your children how to cope with difficult times. It shows your ability to communicate with the other parent, and in turn, teaches your children they can communicate their fears and concerns with you. It’s a chance to show them that no matter what, both parents are united in wanting to best protect the children. To get started, we’ve put together a list of eight ways to help your kids cope.
- Find ways to connect. If it’s not possible to visit in person right now, arrange frequent virtual visits via Skype, FaceTime, or Zoom, etc. Unless supervised visits have been ordered, allow the children privacy during these visits. Kids can also write letters, color pictures, and create crafts to send to the other parent.
- Discuss their concerns. News coverage of COVID-19 is everywhere. While you can’t prevent them from knowing about it, you can talk to them about whatever concerns they may have. Assure them that this is a temporary situation. Don’t minimize or be disrespectful of their concerns. Allow them to use this time to learn how to communicate concerns and have healthy discussions about their feelings with you.
- Explain simply and honestly. Kids want to know what’s happening. Simple explanations and reassurance will be more helpful than scary detailed information. There are some excellent articles online, depending on the age of your children, regarding how to talk about the pandemic. Limit access to the news and be careful with your conversation with other adults.
- Keep them busy. Redirect their attention to games, a movie, or a project. Read books together. If you are out of ideas, you can find suggestions online for keeping kids busy while keeping them quarantined.
- Avoid speaking negatively about your ex. This should be done regardless, but it’s especially important now. Your kids may not feel comfortable talking to you if they think you’ll be upset by their concern for their other parent. Repressing their feelings can lead to kids acting out or developing issues that will long outlast the pandemic.
- Be careful. If you need to talk to someone about your ex, or communicate with your attorney, see if email is an option. If you must speak by phone, do all you can to limit the children’s exposure to the conversation by going into another room, or step outside.
- Keep a sense of humor. The house may be a bit of a wreck, the kids might be wearing mismatched clothes they chose themselves, and sometimes breakfast just might have to be frozen pizza. It’s okay. It’s not a way of life. Learning to laugh during difficult times is a helpful life skill.
- Exercise. Get outside. Go for walks or play in the yard. Fresh air and a change in scenery will benefit you and your children and help you all sleep better which helps you cope better.
Get help with your Utah divorce. If you’re separated or going through a divorce and need legal help, CoilLaw LLC can help. Managing partner attorney Jill Coil is dedicated to helping families move forward as effectively as possible. During the pandemic, you can still schedule a consultation with Jill Coil to form a game plan and work to achieve the best outcome for you and your children. Just call 801-980-3972 today!
