Divorce can make even the most peaceful person stressed. There is also a chance that your stress is going to transfer to your children. This isn’t an ideal situation since stress can impact every aspect of the child’s life. You should be aware of signs of stress in your children and be prepared to address them.
Many of the signs of stress vary based on the child’s age and maturity level. Some older children might complain of head or stomach pain. They may have trouble concentrating — which can impact schoolwork — or feel lonely. Younger children might become clingy, have trouble sleeping, cry often or wet the bed.
If you notice any of these signs in your children, it might be time to find better ways to handle your own stress so that the kids aren’t impacted as much. Stress is like a negative attitude — it spreads from one person to another. In some cases, stress manifests as anxiety.
One way that you might be able to help the situation is by taking some time to relax with your child. Instead of worrying about whether the house is immaculate or trying to plan intense activities, you can spend time doing something calming, such as watching a movie at home.
You should also work to improve communication with your children. Be willing to listen to your child’s concerns and thoughts without becoming judgmental. Help them to figure out how to appropriately express their feelings. They may also need help finding solutions to the things that are bothering them. Let them know what to expect, which may include discussing the parenting plan with them on an age-appropriate basis. This may help them to feel more secure, which might help their stress.
