Divorce is always painful; be it for you or for your child. It takes great sense, sensitivity, patience and understanding on the part of the parents to help your child cope the trauma of this breakup. 

It will involve lots of changes in your life as well as your child’s; and your child needs time and patience to accept and adjust with this shift. We suggest you some tips that would help your child make this phase less painful.

• While telling your child about the divorce, it would be better if both of the parents talk to the child together. 
• Ask your child about his/her opinions and feelings about the decision you have made. The child might react in a negative way, but instead of thinking that the child does not understand you, try to look at things from the child’s point of view. The child might be going through a lonely and insecure phase.
• If the parent had been fighting or arguing about their child, he/she might feel guilty thinking that he/she is the cause for their divorce. Keep assuring your child that they are not the cause for the breakup.
• Do not let the child feel abandoned. Assure your child that you are as present in your child’s life as you used to be earlier.  You are still there for him/her.
• Even later in life, keep the dialogue open between you and your child. As the child grows up, their outlook changes; and it might change the way they had been viewing at this divorce.
• Do not blame or say bad things about your ex-spouse to your child. Do not force your child to take sides. Help them maintain a loving relationship with both the parents.
• If you feel that your friends or relatives might help your child cope with your divorce, seek their help.
• Do not use your child as a messenger or go-between.
• Let your child spend time with each of you to realize and to accept the fact that his/her parents are staying separate.
• If your child shows problems in their academic life, personality and behavior, seek the help of a counselor.