Post-Divorce Dating and Your Child

Going through a divorce is often stressful on the entire family. Even though it may seem like an issue between spouses, divorce can deeply affect children as well as extended family. After a divorce, your child may experience a wide array of emotions. Speaking with your children about divorce is crucial for them to successfully cope with the new changes in their life. Oftentimes, emotions are repressed until something triggers their release. Unfortunately, a parent’s new partner is oftentimes the “trigger” for children.

If you or someone you know is considering a divorce, it is important that you have an experienced divorce attorney on your side. Contact the Austin divorce lawyers of Slater, Kennon & Pugh Ltd.LLP today at 512-472-2431 to schedule a free initial consultation.

The Importance of Speaking with Your Child

Some parents may want to explain divorce to their child differently than others; however, it is important that the child is not receiving mixed messages. You and your former spouse should discuss the best way to present the situation and agree to stick by what the two of you decide. If the child has a full understanding of your separation, then dating will come as less of a shock to them; however, they may still react passionately. Here are a few tips for introducing your new companion to your child:

• Make sure that your new partner is aware that you have children, so it does not come as a surprise.
• Only introduce new companions if it seems the relationship may last. Exposing your child to a revolving door of mates may be damaging.
• Speak with your child openly about your new partner, and encourage them to ask questions and express their feelings.
• Allow them to be angry when appropriate; however, if anger or emotionally disturbing behavior persists, consider seeing a family therapist.

Contact Us

For more information on divorce and legal separation, contact the Austin divorce lawyers of Slater, Kennon & Pugh Ltd.LLP today at 512-472-2431.