You can help your children lead satisfying lives after divorce. The keys are to focus on their healthy development, move things forward and minimize possible disruptions. Below are some helpful guidelines:

1. Talk to your children about their feelings, if they want to talk.
2. Resist the temptation to compete with your ex–husband for your children’s love and attention.
3. Resist the temptation to make negative comments about your ex–husband in front of your children.
4. Communicate directly with your ex–husband instead of passing messages through your children.
5. Help your children remain connected to their father and relatives through telephone calls, emails and letters. Do this only if your ex–husband isn’t a threat to your children’s physical, emotional or mental well-being.

For more helpful parenting guidelines, read our complete Parenting After Divorce article.

This article is not legal advice. You should consult an attorney if you have legal questions that relate to your specific divorce.