Bridge Counseling & 
Therapy Center, LLC
302 856-9190
Divorcing Parents
Divorce, for our children, is a form of death. It represents the death of the nuclear family. it represents the loss of their childhood innocence, and sometimes it can feel as though the bickering has turned to battle, and the children are standing on the front line. Children are confused with loss, sadness, and a degree of emotional instability. Their whole world has exploded and it is crashing in on them--all the rules have changed.
This form of death, however, is not final. Today, society tries to provide some guidance to the grieving child, but the hope that the parents will someday reconcile or unite continually lives on in their minds. In some cases, the bereaved child is inhibited from concentrating on the best qualities of the absent parent because one or both parents may condemn the other, and (in extreme cases) even ostracize them. It is important that each parent attempt to preserve a respectful and positive image of one another, in the best interest of the child.
Children should not be forced to view the other parent as the adults view one another during the separatation and divorce. Tensions are high because parents may be dividing the assets as well as the time with the children. The children simply want to be with the parents, as things once were. They will need to mourn the loss of the intact family, to acclimate to the new structure of the divorcing family.
One or both parents may experience their own sense of loss and mourn as well. The parent(s) experience the loss of a home, partner, and changing finances. This means they are making many of their own adjustments. It is important for parents to continue to recognize that the children, who have less understanding and coping skills, are needing comfort from their parents to mourn these losses as well. The parents who are able to keep it between themselves will be more attentive to the children's needs.
The State of Delaware
requires that every divorcing parent take an educational course for divorcing parents. Our divorcing parents class helps address issues that effect families during this very trying time, including, parent to parent communication, the different reactions children have to divorce at specific ages, effective co-parenting, and other parenting strategies for divorced familes.
You can find more information on our divorcing parents class on the "Our Services" page, or call the office at:
302-856-9190
32 Bridgeville Rd
Georgetown, DE 19947
Or try emailing us at:
Bridgecounsel@yahoo.com
