Are you a divorced parent that needs help to steer a rebellious child the right way? Your young one may have child anxiety from dealing with the affects of your divorce. A child can have behavioral problems at home and school, which can turn into oppositional defiant disorder and eventually cause anti-social behaviors which are much worse.

Besides getting your child to talk with a counselor, there are other steps you can take to help your child deal with divorce anxiety such as:

1. Conversation – Something as simple as sitting down and letting your child vent while you comfort them is very powerful. There isn’t enough personal connection in our technology driven society. This contributes to more pain than anyone will ever care to admit. Giving your child that extra attention is vital in order to help them overcome tragedies such as divorce.
2. Time – Sometimes the best way to love someone is to just spend time with them. Many times it won’t matter what you do together as long as you are interested in and enjoy what you are doing. It doesn’t have to cost a lot of money either. Going for a bike ride, reading a book together, going for a swim in the pool or lake, or even going for a walk at a park are some very simple ideas of how to spend time with your child.
3. Laughter – Find out what your child is interested in and help them pursue those hobbies that bring joy. Joy is one of the best healers. Have you ever heard that saying that “Laughter is the best medicine”? It truly is, and can be a great way to bring healing to the human spirit, no matter what age. Watching comedies together, laughing at each other’s jokes, and doing things that get the focus off of ‘self’ are some other ways to help bring joy and healing to your child’s emotional injuries.
4. See Family – Make sure you take out the time from your schedule so that your child can spend time with other family members. Visiting the father is vital. However, going to see step-parents and grand-parents are just as important for the child.
5. School Counselor – There are in school, counselors who can find out the intimate details of the child’s involvement in his or her education and after school activities and/or sports. School counselors have direct access to personal information regarding grades, teachers, classmates and friends, and every other person involved in the student’s life. A school counselor can come up with a detailed plan involving parents, teachers, and mentors to help your child to thrive and become successful – getting better grades, enjoying school more, and exhibiting positive behaviors to both teachers and parents.

What Will It Take?

Child anxiety from dealing with the affects of your divorce is not always easy to overcome. It takes dedication, sacrifice, and time in order to help your young ones heal . Besides following all of the above suggestions, it’s also can be very effective and important to bring your child to a counselor outside of school.

Sometimes children don’t feel comfortable talking to school counselors about their emotional challeges or problems. Finding a professional counselor who can provide the rapport and safety for your child will begin the healing process and can make all the difference towards their emotional recovery.

*The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only. Never substitute, disregard, or delay seeking professional medical advice and assistance for any health or mental issue(s) you have or are concerned about because of something you have read.