Co Parenting During Divorce Counseling Bethesda, MD Offers
The end of a marriage can be a sad time, even if you are the one who initiates the divorce. A divorce can be like experiencing the death of a loved one. As a result, it may require a grieving process that is similar to losing a loved one. Dealing with all of the changes resulting from divorce can be difficult financially, mentally, and physically. When there are children, it can be that much harder. Many people in Bethesda, MD find that co parenting during divorce counseling can be helpful when working through the divorce process. At Lindsey Hoskins & Associates, we offer counseling for people who are dealing with these issues.
What are some of the feelings a parent going through a divorce may experience?
Some of the emotions that an individual may struggle with include anxiety, depression, fear, grief, and guilt. A parent’s guilt may increase with concerns about how the divorce may affect the children. Co parenting during divorce counseling in Bethesda, MD can be easier with the aid of a therapist. A therapist from Lindsey Hoskins & Associates can provide you with the tools you need.
Depression and Anxiety
A divorce can exacerbate existing emotional issues, such as depression and anxiety. Many people feel that a divorce means they have failed their relationship and their responsibility to their children. Anger and bitterness toward the other spouse can result. Co parenting during divorce counseling in Bethesda, MD can be easier if both of you are attending the sessions. Therapy can help work through those feelings and instead of feeling like they have failed, a parent often begins to view therapy as an opportunity for personal growth.
When there is an emphasis on co parenting during divorce counseling, Bethesda, MD parents can develop tools to cope with the stress. If there are negative patterns that a person brings into relationships over and over again, therapy can help break those patterns, providing a healthier outlook for future relationships.
What is Bethesda, MD co parenting during divorce counseling?
Although you may think therapy is only for couples hoping to save their marriage, therapy for a divorcing couple can actually be very beneficial. By the time couples reach the divorce stage, they are often so angry with each other that communication is almost impossible. But when they have children and will be sharing co-parenting responsibilities, it is critical for them to be able to communicate and work together in a positive way. A therapist can also act as a mediator in helping the couple constructively discuss critical issues such as co-parenting, living arrangements, and finances. Bethesda, MD co parenting during divorce counseling can be made easier with the help of a therapist from Lindsey Hoskins & Associates.
Can the children benefit from co parenting during divorce counseling?
Not only might the parents be emotionally struggling, so too might their children. Many children have feelings of guilt, abandonment, loss, and pain over the breakup of their parents. After all, their worlds are being turned upside down and they have no control over what is happening. This underscores the importance of co parenting during divorce counseling in Bethesda, MD.
Tips for Co Parenting During Divorce
Parenting kids is difficult enough as it is. When you are in the process of a divorce, it can make co parenting just that more challenging. From crazy schedules to heavy emotions, sharing custody of your children with your ex can be quite tough at times. However, it isn’t impossible. Bethesda, MD co parenting during divorce counseling may help divorcing couples to adhere to the following helpful parenting tips so help assist in a smooth transition for your children:
Be Flexible
If you want the co-parenting process to go as smoothly as possible, you have to be willing to be flexible when necessary. For example, if something comes up and your ex needs to switch weekends with you, try to be accommodating. Things can come up unexpectedly and it’s important to be understanding. Co parenting during divorce counseling in Bethesda, MD can provide you both with the support you need in trying your best to be accommodating so that in the future your ex is more willing to reciprocate the flexibility.
Separate Your Feelings from Behavior
It’s understandable that you may be harboring feelings of anger and frustration from the marriage. However, co parenting during divorce counseling in Bethesda, MD will teach you that you shouldn’t let your emotions affect how you act towards your ex. If you constantly try to pick fights with him or her, you will just make the situation worse for everyone. Instead, try to be as civil as possible with your ex and keep your kids’ best interests in mind. If you do have a lot of anger towards your ex, you should express them to a trusted friend or a trusted therapist in Bethesda, Maryland offering co parenting during divorce counseling.
Be Consistent With Rules
To avoid any confusion, you and your ex should have the same basic set of expectations for your kids in each home. These rules should apply to things like curfews, homework and chores. For example, if your ex sets a curfew for 10:00 p.m. for your teenager on weekends, you should set the exact same curfew. If you allow your teenager to come home later, it may confuse him or her. Co parenting during divorce counseling offered in Bethesda, MD can assist you and your child’s parent when it comes to setting clear and consistent rules for each home.
Make Important Decisions Together
While you and your ex don’t have to make every little decision together, you should definitely make major ones with each other. For instance, you should definitely make decisions regarding your kids’ medical and educational needs together.
Don’t Badmouth Your Ex in Front of Your Ex
Bethesda, MD co parenting during divorce counseling will teach you that one of the biggest mistakes divorcing parents make is speaking poorly of the child’s parent in their presence. No matter how angry you may be towards your ex, you should never speak poorly about him or her in front of your kids. This will not only make your kids feel uncomfortable, but as though they must choose sides.
Establish a Routine With Your Kids
It can be difficult for kids to go back and forth between each parent’s home, especially in the beginning. Co parenting during divorce counseling in Bethesda, MD can help the two of you in establishing a routine with your kids. For example, you may want to cook your children a special meal or play a fun game as soon as they come to your home. This way, they will know what to expect and feel more comfortable.
By following these helpful tips, and with the help of Linsdey Hoskins & Associates, offering co parenting during divorce counseling in Bethesda, MD, you can make co-parenting a much easier experience.