How routines help kids through divorce

Divorce is more than just separation. It changes your entire life – and the lives of those around you, especially your children. As you go through a divorce, you might worry about how to make things easier for your kids. You don’t want them to suffer, and you want them to be happy and safe. What can you do?

Building routines can help your kids through the challenges of a divorce. Familiar routines can make children feel comfortable and provide them with a sense of security in a difficult time.

The benefits of routines

Unexpected life changes can be stressful for even the most well-adjusted adult. For kids, these changes can be terrifying. When children face something unknown, such as life after divorce, they might be nervous and unsure.

Establishing routines in their day-to-day life can help your kids feel more secure during an unfamiliar period in their life. By following daily schedules, kids can feel both independence and pride in completing a task without having been told.

Children can also develop good habits through consistent routines. Daily schedules can lead to learning time-management skills, self-discipline and other important skills that will aid in their growth and development.

What you can do

Parents can help their children create and organize daily routines. You can arrange tasks that your children have to accomplish while also determining rewards and discipline.

Here are some ideas for daily routines you can establish for your kids:

• Homework – Setting a time that’s specific for homework teaches your kids the importance of learning and studying. If your kids are too young for daily homework, you can still set a time for learning, such as reading a storybook together or teaching with age-appropriate word and number games.
• Meals – Having a routine schedule for dinner is a great way to establish normalcy in life after divorce. Kids can look forward to spending time with you over a family meal. Asking your kids to set the table can be an easy routine that can develop a sense of responsibility.
• Bedtime – It’s essential to establish a strict bedtime routine to help your kids end their day and prepare for the next. Whether your routine includes a bedtime story, game, or merely brushing your teeth together, allow yourselves the time to spend together.

Daily routines can help kids grow academically, mentally and emotionally. It helps them take control and feel safe through all of life’s unexpected curveballs. Divorce can make them upset and scared, but by working together with your kids to establish routines, you can set them on a path toward confidence and happiness.