by Tamika Steward

Created on: April 11, 2010   Last Updated: April 13, 2010

The last thing a child wants to hear is that her parents are going through a divorce. The adult going through a divorce may be an emotional wreck; however, she has to find ways to remain positive especially when dealing with children.  Children watch every move that their parents make; therefore, it is important that parents take precautions in some of the decisions that they make.

As a newly divorced parent, you feel that you must take on an additional job in order to make up for the lost income that was coming into the household. If you make that decision to work a second job, how is that going to affect the time that you spend with your children? Consider your options when searching for that second job.  One option is to work an online job. If you are in the teaching field, you may be able to find an online teaching or tutoring job. Other options include starting a consulting agency depending on your specialization. It is also easy to start your own business such as selling Avon, SMC, or Ardyss. While it is imperative to make that additional income, do so in a way that it does not interfere with the time you spend with your children.

Next, you want to ensure that you play an active role in your child’s life. Continue to support your children in their educational and recreational endeavors. Designate one day as a family day. Purchase games such as monopoly, phase 10, or puzzles and do these activities with your children on a regular basis.  Attend your child’s sporting events, plays, musicals, or academic events.  Take up a new hobby with your child: learn karate, dance, or ceramics.

Last, but not least, designate some “me-time” for yourself.  It is important that you have time to unwind so that you do not bring any negative energy into the household. Take the scenic route on the way home so that you can have that time to clear your mind from some of the stresses you encountered on your job. Go for a long walk in the morning or in the evening, take a nice hot bath, or read a good book. Find something that you enjoy doing so that you can release that negative energy and remain positive around your children.

Going through a divorce may be one of the hardest things an individual may go through; however, for the sake of the children, it is important that we remain positive and continue to be a good role model for our children.

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