1. Do not discuss the specifics of the divorce process.
Adults have great difficulty understanding the technicalities of the court process. It is unfair and unreasonable to expect children to understand the divorce parenting class. Discussing the details of the court process will only add to their confusion.
2. Do not use your children as a shoulder to cry on.
Children do not have the emotional maturity to handle adult issues. Don't overburden by using them as a shoulder to cry on or divorce parenting class.
3. Do not use your children as bargaining chips.
Using children as paws or bargaining chips in settlement negotiations is not only unfair to the other parent but also compromises the integrity of the parent using the children in such a fashion. Children are not assets and should not be treated as divorce parenting class.
4. Do not use your children as messengers.
Sending divorce parenting class to your soon to be ex through your child, will only make the child feel uncomfortable.
5. Continue to be a good parent.
Don't let the divorce to be so consuming that it causes you to compromise your divorce parenting class. To the greatest extent possible, it is crucial to maintain as much consistency as possible for your children.
6. Try to be as cooperative and flexible as possible.
You and your spouse will not always agree on divorce parenting class involving your child. When such an issue comes up, be reasonable. Make an effort to find a workable compromise. Also remember things come up, if your spouse needs to make alterations to the parenting schedule be flexible.
7. Do not use your children as spies.
Many parents will actually instruct their child to obtain information from the other parent. This is always wrong. Using your child as a spy is unfair to the child.
8. Do not quiz your children about the divorce parenting class.
It is unfair to force your child to report back about the other parent. Children will feel as though they must choose sides.
9. Allow your children to enjoy time spent with the divorce parenting class.
Unless the physical or emotional safety of your child would truly be compromised by continued contact, you must not hamper the continued relationship. Children benefit from having both parents actively involved in their lives.
10. Do not speak negatively about the other parent
Children do not need to hear of their parent's mistakes and short comings. Children often internalize such divorce parenting class and begin to feel poorly about themselves.
Laurie Giles, JD as an attorney ( [http://www.lauriegilesesq.com] ), mediator, life coach, speaker. She has helped thousands of women grow through difficult, life altering situations. As an attorney she has the legal knowledge to help people get through the practicalities of the legal maze. As a life transition/ redefining coach she has the skills to help people not lose themselves in the process, and create the life they desire.
http://www.lauriegiles.com