A parent who goes through a divorce will often become focused on figuring out how to build their home with their sole income. This is a major transition for everyone involved, so the parents must ensure that they remember that their children may need some assistance with learning how to adjust to two homes.
One way that you can help your children to cope with this major life change is by helping them to feel at home in your house. There are several ways to do this, so you’ll have to try to find the way that works best for your children.
Give them their own space
Children need to have their own space. Ideally, this would be their own bedroom, but there are other possibilities if there isn’t room for them to have a room. You can give them a dedicated area of the home where they can keep their belongings and relax. Giving them choices about how to decorate their space may also help.
Build new traditions they enjoy
New traditions may help the children to feel more comfortable in your home. This can be something as simple as enjoying ice cream and a movie together on a dedicated night when they come to your home.
In many cases, transition days are the most difficult for the children because they don’t want to leave one parent but are looking forward to time with the other. Keeping these days calm may help the children to feel more secure. Having the terms for those transition days and other aspects of the custody arrangement can be beneficial. Working with someone who’s familiar with these matters may help you to determine what needs to be covered.