Parents have an important job when they are divorcing and have children between the ages of 6 and 8. Children need to feel loved by both parents without guilt, shame, or blame, and should not be made to feel they must pick one parent over another. Attorneys and objective family members can help you to avoid bad comments or conflict negatively impacting the children.
Bonding Time with Both Parents
Whether a parent believes the other parent deserves time and emotional attachment with the other, it is in the best interests of the child to allow this to happen. Children age 6 to 8 learn competency and self-concept development and will feel extremely sad about the divorce. They can be traumatized when a parent leaves, even if they don't have a very close relationship with the parent who is going.
Since children often are hopeful that their parents may reunite, they may begin acting very helpful or good. It is a good idea to keep conflict and details of the divorce away from the children. Children may become preoccupied or inattentive, misbehave in school, or fake illnesses to avoid school because they feel upset, or even to blame, about the family's problems. Parents should notify theschool of a pending divorce.
Period of Transition
When developing a parenting plan, parents should consider this time is a period of transition and self-discovery for your children. They are choosing friends and are gaining independence by attending school. School can aid in the transitions between the two homes. Depending on schedules, children could be separated from one parent for up to five days at a time. During these times, both parents should stay involved in school and other activities. Caretaking arrangements should be consistent and predictable for children. A therapist should become involved if conflicts arise.