Divorces are often negative and messy. This can make your children feel uneasy about the future. It might help them to feel better about the direction they are going if you teach them how to have a positive outlook on life.
Encouraging your children to have meaningful relationships with both sides of the family is one of the ways you can encourage them to remain positive. Often, kids feel like they have to choose one side or the other, but they will probably experience a reduction in stress when they learn you want them to continue to interact with your ex’s family.
Let your children know that you are there to talk to them if they have things they need to discuss. It might help if you ask them how visits with the other parent went. Remind them that you want them to have fun memories from both homes, so they have the reinforcement that it is fine for them to enjoy their other parent.
Set up new traditions in your home. Make this something that they can look forward to when they come back to your house. These don’t have to be anything extravagant or expensive. It can be something as simple as watching a movie and having nachos for dinner the first night they are back with you.
While you are working on the positive outlook with your children, you might be able to boost the effectiveness through your parenting plan. Having a plan that puts the children’s needs first can reduce the stress on them and might provide the benefit of stability.