Assisting with the care of children and parents during separation or after a divorce
Make the well-being of the child the top priority – that they are loved above all else as always by parents, family, friends, and God.
Communicate in an age-appropriate understanding the meaning and reality of divorce, why parents are divorcing, and in a language that the child can comprehend.
Encourage and answer all questions honestly that the child can comprehend and tolerate knowing.
Help the child to identify and express all their feelings honestly, acknowledge their feelings – it is a traumatic disruption, loss and change event.
Assurance to the child from both parents that they will continue to be there for them, but in a different arrangement, proving stability and structure of lifestyle and relationships.
Child needs to know that the divorce is not their fault, or God’s fault.
Importance that there be as little disruption of normal routines and continuity of supports – family, neighborhood, school, parish community.
Do not expose the child to adult conflict, disrespectful or abusive behavior between parents.
Do not speak negatively about the other parent with the child.
Notify parents of close friends of the separation/divorce.
Notify the school of separation/divorce for support services.
Parent(s) should seek out support from parish community for child and parents – Divorce Recovery support group, pastoral support, resources.
Seek out professional counseling for the child, family – Catholic Charities of Southeast Michigan http://ccsem.org/
Attend support groups for separation/divorce for parents.
