Whatever the parental reason, a divorce is rarely beneficial for the child. Indeed, the latter will always be affected morally and psychologically. Helping a child to accept and overcome a parental divorce requires a pre-established strategy. Total protection of the child is not always possible. However, we can slow down the psychological impact so that the child’s emotional balance is not affected.

1 – Prepare the Child Psychologically

Since the decision to divorce affects the family’s equilibrium, it is wise to inform all family members. Logically, the first person concerned is the child of the marriage. The success of this approach lies in the choice of an opportune moment to discuss it with the child. This psychological preparation requires a minimum of sincerity. For this, it is essential to underline the causes of this decision, the harmful effects of the continuity of the marriage, and the relational consequences of the divorce. The objective of this preparation phase is to avoid possible surprises, disappointments, or nervous breakdowns.

2 – Give Priority to Language

The announcement of a parental separation generates a multitude of questions for the child. A responsible parent must answer these questions sincerely to avoid any false interpretation. If the child is not open, one of the parties must address it frequently to prevent discomfort and related physiological and psychological disorders. All conversations on this subject must be sincere, objective, and without denigrating the other parent. In short, it is essential to know that language is the solution to any psychological problem. Indeed, words have an infallible power of argumentation, conviction, and comfort.

3 – Promote Proximity

After a divorce, it is not apparent to maintain the attention and emotional habits towards a child. Despite this fact, it is necessary to make an effort to preserve them. The creation of close activities such as walking, sports, picnics, or spending vacations with the family is recommended. One can also accompany the child in his favorite activities to strengthen the bonds. This last option is a means of escape. The goal of this strategy is to help the child develop their potential. This closeness creates a sense of trust and security for the child. These two criteria are vital for the child’s development.

4 – Maintain the Family Concept

The family defines the physiological and psychological essence of a child, and it is the source of his knowledge of the world, his reasoning, and his cultural values. The disappearance of this family setting favors a particular psychological imbalance. Therefore, annual family moments such as Christmas and New Year’s Eve should be prioritized despite the divorce. It is also possible to take advantage of Sunday mass or a family event (wedding, baptism, outings … etc.). This preservation of the family concept allows the transmission of family habits and values.

5 – Banish False Promises

Limiting the adverse effects of a divorce on your child is a very noble challenge. However, to anticipate and complete their absence, some parents tend to make false promises. Indeed, these are intended to reassure and comfort the child. Missed outings, forgotten appointments, a promise, or a whim not honored are the manifestations of false parental promises. The disappointment caused by these unfulfilled promises is described as a betrayal in the eyes of the child. As a result, there is little chance of regaining his affection. The child will only be affected emotionally. The redundancy of these disappointments encourages rebellion and juvenile delinquency.