Courtesy of Kids In the Middle:
Do…
Allow children to openly express their own feelings.
Listen to your children and validate their feelings.
Let children know about changes such as visitation, moving, new school, etc.
Reassure your children that the divorce was not their fault.
Emphasize the finality of the divorce.
Spend quality time with each child.
Be consistent with rules, expectations and discipline.
Protect your child from parental conflict.
Provide a safe and stable environment.
Don’t…
Assess blame. Children shouldn’t be taking sides.
Talk negatively about the other parent.
Overburden your children with emotional or financial concerns.
Use children as message carriers to the other parent.
Make your child your confidant – remain the adult and parent.
Allow your children to put themselves in the middle of adult conflicts.
Discourage your child’s desire to have a relationship with the other parent or step-parent.