“Dos” to Practice with Your Children
July 14th, 2006 (Divorce)
1. Do reaffirm that both parents love them and care for them. Even when you feel the other parent needs a dose of maturity, children need to know they are loved.
2. Do maintain consistency and discipline. Too often parents relax the rules during a separation because they want to influence the child’s loyalty or they’re too exhausted to be firm. Consistency and discipline ensure stability.
3. Do allow your children the right to their own emotions. Help them cope with all feelings, even the difficult ones.
4. Do ask children to do age-appropriate tasks to help around the house. Preschoolers can keep their rooms neat, wipe their feet, put dirty clothing in the hamper, and set the table. As they grow, ask your kids to make their beds, clear the table, wash and dry dishes, rake leaves, and unpack groceries. Teens can prepare simple meals, wash clothes, and clean parts of the house.
5. Do realize that though you might dub your former partner a failed husband, he could be a successful father.