Search Results

Who doesn’t need a little solace from time to time? Whether you're struggling with a breakup, missing someone special in your life, or feeling overwhelmed by the daily grind of work, kids, you name it, sometimes you need to escape and find peace. No matter how long you have been divorced – or if you’re starting the process - you may or may not have any strong feelings about your divorce or ex-soon-to-be ex-spouse. If there are, that person must likely be influential but get ready; they may have moved on from all emotions towards you, like anger or sadness, whether you like it or not. However, most people don't move on that quickly in real life. Some take longer than others, depending on how long you were married, how close you were with each other before marrying, if you reminisce about good and bad times, etc. So, when you start dating again, you may be nervous and a bit self-conscious, which is normal. It doesn’t mean every relationship you pursue after becoming single again will end in such an emotional rollercoaster. Dating when you're divorced has its challenges; however, it can be difficult because some people may assume they need to treat you differently than they would otherwise because of your past relationship status. If they don’t, then you have a clean and fresh slate. Terrific! Now you can reinvent yourself and be who you want to be. It's vital for anyone who has recently been through a divorce or breakup to remember their value as a person regardless of whether they were married before or not and how that marriage went. If someone treats me differently because of a past relationship history instead of treating me equally across all aspects of life, then that person isn't worth my time. Do I hear an amen? And JSYK, taking time off from dating is OK when you're not ready. Don't rush into another relationship too soon. Focus on yourself and your needs right now. If you need some space for dating and romance, that's completely fine, so don’t force yourself back into the ‘scene; if you’re more comfortable being there right now. Remember, this is your time. That stated, reflecting on what went wrong with your last relationship can be helpful before jumping back into things (or never jumping at all). If you have an abusive situation or are unhealthy, consider seeing a therapist who specializes in relationship issues so they can help guide you through making healthy choices about who enters your life this time and whether another person should be involved. Note: If it's been a while since your breakup, do you still feel sad? That's OK, too, because it doesn't mean anything is wrong with you or you aren’t ‘normal’; it just means you need extra time and support. You may be wondering how long you should wait before dating again. There's no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, but here are some things to keep in mind: It might be best to have time to heal and get your head together after a breakup. Your ex will probably still be on your mind and could even come up in conversations with people who don't know what happened between you. Tread lightly on the above, especially if it’s a perspective new romance, because too much or too little info may be hard for some people to grasp. Yes, they should know what happened, but you don’t have to go into your entire life history with your ex. Breakups can be messy and cause sadness and grief, so give yourself as much time as possible before trying anything new, especially dating. If it feels right, then go for it. But again, tread carefully… I know it's hard to go through breakups and bad relationships, but you don't have to rush into another one immediately, and in my humble opinion, DON’T. Not yet. You deserve time to discover your solo happiness; focusing on that might be more fruitful. You be you, and when you are ready, it will happen. Promise! Take care out there, Erin Let's Dish: How quickly did you go out on your first date after your divorce? How did that go? Did you feel like it was too soon? Did you feel confident this is something you wanted to make happen?

You've made it through one of the most challenging periods of your life, and you're back on your own two feet and in charge of how you want to live. That's a pretty cool feeling but it can also be scary and overwhelming. However, if you take it one step at a time, there's no reason why this transition should be anything other than positive for your life. Start by stopping comparing yourself to other people. There are many ways in which you and other people differ. You might be a woman, and he is a man; one is tall, another short; one has brown hair, another blonde. The list goes on and on; remember, they don't share the same experiences or life as yours. You know you or are getting to know the new you. Now that you're single again, it can be easy to feel like your emotions are great some days and not others; at some point, they will stop changing every few minutes. Note: Your feelings aren't as random as they seem; they're part of a natural cycle called "the grief process." This means there are certain stages we go through when someone leaves us (or is ill or dies), or something goes wrong in our relationships with others. They include shock/denial; anger; bargaining; depression; acceptance. These stages aren't necessarily linear or predictable (in fact, many of them skip around quite a bit), but understanding them can help us know what kind of things might happen during this period so we can better understand ourselves and prepare ourselves for whatever else may come next. Best case scenario? Permit yourself to feel all your feelings. That's right, because you should be allowed to handle your feelings about being newly single! Sad, angry, frustrated, and even happy are all normal emotions that come with this time in your life. And if you feel a mixture of all these things at once? That's fine too! While growing up, you may have been conditioned that it's not okay for someone who has lost a loved one or been through some traumatic event (like divorce) to be sad while also being happy at the same time. But guess what? There’s no rule against having conflicting emotions all at once, and there shouldn't be any rules about how we express ourselves, either, especially when it comes down to something as personal as our own emotional experience during times like these (read: divorce) when there isn't an easy answer or solution available anyway! After divorce, being a single man or woman is an opportunity to grow, find yourself, and live on your terms. Your terms. You also don't have to rush into a new relationship, for goodness sake. Take time to heal from the emotional trauma of divorce and focus on yourself. Here are some ways to use this time: · Spend more time with friends and family. Being alone can lead to depression or loneliness, so you must surround yourself with positive people who love you unconditionally (even if they don't always agree with what you're doing). · Explore new hobbies or interests. Now is an excellent time for reinvention! Try something new, like learning to play a musical instrument or taking karate classes at the local gymnasium (that’ll eliminate any residual feelings of anger over your ex!). Whatever makes sense for your lifestyle right now will help keep things fresh while also delivering a balance between your work/life responsibilities! · Travel! A trip is an instant refresher, whether going away somewhere close to home, like a local hotel, or jetting away somewhere. It would be best to remember that being single after divorce is not permanent and doesn't mean your life is over. It's a new beginning and an opportunity to grow, find yourself, and live. The critical thing to remember is that there will be good and bad days, but if you keep putting one foot in front of the other, things will eventually improve, and you’ll start to feel better before you know it. Onward & Upward, Erin Time to Dish: What new activities have you done since being single? Have you picked up a new hobby? If not, what are you interested in? Think about how to meet new people. Journal it. Are you interested in someone? Don't be afraid to tell them.

To all the single moms raising children independently, you are the most amazing women I have ever known. You have a tough job but do it gracefully and with incredible strength. Here at Divorcee Dish, we’re saluting the single moms working hard to provide their families with everything they need, including discipline, manners, respect for each other, and LOVE. You, my friends, are the most amazing woman on earth. You are my heroes; I admire and am in awe of your strength and courage daily. And while single moms may not have a partner to lean on or help with household chores, you still make it all work by yourself and sometimes even better than if two people were involved! You are an inspiration to me as well as other women who strive to raise healthy children in a loving, positive environment. You are exemplary role models for your children. They see how you live with love and selflessness, even when you’re going through hard times. They learn from the choices you make every day: that there is always room in our hearts for more people (including pets), no matter how tiny our homes may be; that everyone deserves respect regardless of their appearance or background and that we should never judge others based on first impressions alone; that everyone contributes something to this world; and so much more. As a single mother, you inspire others by example: showing them what courage looks like; demonstrating how one can remain positive even when things seem hopeless and bleak; and showing them how important it is to keep fighting until victory has been achieved (or at least peace has been reached). You're also an inspiration because even though life gets tough - and no matter what happens during those rough patches - you find ways each day to keep going forward instead of giving up or becoming bitter about past mistakes, failures, or losses. On Mother's Day this Sunday, take time for yourself and enjoy all you have. And it doesn’t end there: fulfill your needs, not only on Mother’s Day but by practicing self-care every day, 365/24/7. We love you all, we're grateful for all you do, and we hope your Mother's Day is filled with joy and happiness for you, your family, and your friends. From the Divorcee Dish family to yours, Happy, Happy Mother’s Day!

We all have that one friend who is always bragging about how good their sex life is. You may even be that person, but typically, we’re wired not to like that person- ha! However, your friends and family won’t know what it's like when you are having sex with your partner, past or present, nor do they need to know. There's nothing wrong with wanting to improve your sex life and even teach each other new things, but some couples get frustrated when they do not match up in bed or feel like they are "bad in bed." It’s normal, especially when you’re with a new partner. However, if you want to improve your sex life - and maybe teach each other some new moves along the way - read on for our tips on ensuring that both people enjoy themselves: First, it's essential to understand that many people have sex and don't like it. Swear! If they do, they're often afraid to say so because they think others will think less of them or their partner will be disappointed. Most people would rather not have sex than have lousy sex, even if the person they're having sex with loves them. The reason for this is simple: good sex feels good; lousy sex doesn't feel good and may even hurt sometimes (especially if your partner doesn't know what they are doing). So, when you find yourself in an uncomfortable situation when your sexual experiences aren't satisfying both parties involved, what do you do? If you are having ‘bad sex,’ the problem could be your lack of confidence. You need to know what you want. If your partner is doing something you don’t like or something that feels wrong, tell them. They should know now versus later when it might be too late. If they are doing everything right and still aren't getting results, maybe try another position or two. Learning how to have satisfying sex involves the two of you. Discuss what you and your partner like during sex. If either or both of you feel shy talking about this, there are plenty of ways around it. Try writing down lists of things that turn each other on/off. You can also try using toys or props when playing with each other, as these tools can help show your partner what feels good without saying anything that makes either of you uncomfortable. If neither of you has had much sexual activity before, then taking things slowly might be best until both people feel ready for more intense stimulation. But even if this isn't true for either, communication between partners should remain paramount throughout any sexual encounter so that everyone knows exactly where they stand throughout every step along their journey together sexually. If your sexual partner tells you they don't like how you two have sex or think there's something wrong with your technique, don't take it personally (ouch, literally!) This is an opportunity for both of you to grow closer together and explore each other's bodies in new ways. Problems happen when people try new things, but that doesn't mean there's something wrong with either person involved or the relationship itself. If you want to be better at sex, talk with your partner about it and reach out to teach each other more. Sex is an essential part of a relationship, but if you find that the quality of your sex life has diminished or become dull or routine, then some things can be done to improve it. One way would be to openly communicate what works best for both of you during sexual activity. This includes discussing what turns each person on physically and emotionally (e.g., being severe versus playful). By doing this regularly throughout your relationship, both participants will learn more about themselves physically and emotionally, which may lead to better relationships overall. Why? Because they will know exactly what their partner needs from them when intimacy occurs. At the end of the day, If you have trouble with your sex life, talking about it with your partner will most definitely help. It's also a good idea to try teaching each other more about what you like and don't like in bed. The more you know about each other, the better your chances of having great sex together! Let’s Dish: Have you had lousy sex after the divorce? How have you handled this situation? Did you talk to the person? Did you resolve the issues? If so, how?

Divorce is a stressful time for any family, but it doesn't have to be something that tears you apart as a couple or pits a parent against a child or vice versa. What to do? Here is a list to review as you transition into the process: Be honest about your feelings. You may think that the person you're divorcing is terrible at the time, and it's easy to let anger get in the way of rational thinking. However, being honest about your feelings will help you move past those feelings and help find solutions for situations like child custody or property division. Be honest about your finances and have an expert look over them. This is crucial. If financial issues are involved in the marriage dissolution process, such as alimony or child support payments due by one party after the divorce has been finalized (or before), having an expert look over these documents can make all the difference in obtaining fair results from the court system. Consider financial areas where dishonesty comes into play - such as income tax evasion or hiding assets from creditors- hire an accountant who specializes in this area. Be reasonable and fair. Yes, FAIR. You may know what you want, but it's also essential to consider the other person's needs. This can help you find a solution that works for both and avoids unnecessary conflict or stress. Be realistic: If there is no possibility of compromise and resolution, it might be best to avoid dragging things out unnecessarily. This is when you run, don’t walk, to a reputable attorney or mediator who can help issues quicker than dragging them out over months or years. Be flexible. Refrain from getting too attached to any idea if another option works better for everyone involved…even if it means letting go of something important (like custody rights). Now for the biggie: Communication. It’s much more than just talking, and it's much more than just listening. And it's not about arguing or avoiding conflict. Fair-for-both-sides-involved communication is sharing information and feelings that allows both people to understand each other while respecting the other person's perspective and needs. Did you read that carefully? If not, do it again because effective communication involves listening carefully to what the other person has to say, thinking about it carefully before responding (instead of reacting), and speaking clearly so that your message comes across accurately. This will ensure your soon-to-be or ex-partner feels safe enough to share their thoughts honestly. A win-win! You'll also need to let go of expectations about how things should look or feel for both parties involved. If one person wants something done one way and another wants another, then compromise is essential. Consider how this could benefit both of you instead of focusing solely on what YOU want out of life now. That stated, it’s crucial to realize that divorce is not the end of the world for your peace of mind and ultimate well-being. I promise! There are many reasons why people get divorced, but the process doesn't have to be filled with drama and negativity. It is possible to co-exist on this planet with your ex and maybe even have a happy life after divorce, moving on without guilt or shame. My final words? You will get through this challenging time if you stay strong and focused on yourself during this process. You may become such an independent and robust badass that some people may not recognize you anymore 😉 And DO NOT let anyone tell you how long it may take because everyone handles situations differently depending on their own experiences in life thus far, so keep moving forward towards your brand of happiness. Remember that there are no hard and fast rules about how to do it, just as long as both parties can ultimately agree on fair terms for you both. Most importantly, you and your ex-partner are happy with the results! You got this! Erin Let's Dish: 1. How did you make your divorce peaceful? 2. Did you both use a divorce lawyer? 3. How did you feel right after your divorce? 4. What was your best coping mechanism?

Written by Maggie Menderski Louisville Courier Journal Greta Hittle’s mother woke her up excitedly on Kentucky Derby Day in 2014. She had a good feeling about this. Greta needed to get back to the track. That urgency had nothing to do with bets her mother wanted to place or even the horse that was favored to win. It had everything to do with a man they’d met in the Paddock just hours before on Kentucky Oaks Day. His name was Mike Hittle. That essentially spoils the end of this story, but I promise you, the journey to get there is well worth your time. Eight years after Greta — who was Greta Aschbacher at the time — met her husband in a fleeting moment at Churchill Downs, she and Mike agreed to tell me their love story. By some miracle, the Hittles found each other in a crowd of 100,000 people on May 2, 2014, and now, they’ve been married for four years and have two beautiful boys. I first learned about how they met after Greta won a prize in the Kentucky Derby Museum's annual story contest in 2021. She'd only written a few sentences to win, but I felt there was so much more to the moment that changed their lives forever. More about the Kentucky Derby:'The final furlong': A day with Silver Charm, the oldest surviving Kentucky Derby winner Their romance unwittingly starts when Mike left friends at their seats to wander the Paddock, soak in the sights, and place a few bets. He spotted Greta, her sister Sadie, and her mother struggling to take a selfie with a traditional camera. From Divorcee Dish, this is one of my favorite love stories ever, my friend Greta! It still inspires me. All copyrights are by the Courier-Journal in Louisville, Ky.

OK ladies, as a woman of a certain age, likely you've had a child or two (or three, maybe four, or more), and now you're getting divorced. You look in the mirror or try on a pair of last year's jeans & OH EM GEE. But it's not just all of us moms; men can also experience the dreaded “Mom" pre-menopausal body, also known as - God forbid - the "Dad" body & you're now uncool in the eyes of everyone 😄 It happens innocently enough as you raise your children and start snacking off their plates. Then you find yourself snacking your way through the day. Then you wheel up to the drive-through of everything and while you're there, you grab a little something. Add to the mix outside activities: Get little Joey to soccer practice, Bella needs to dance, and Sam needs to go to field hockey. What do you do? Skip nutrition. Call yourself a hamster because you're on your own circular treadmill, a constant spin cycle that takes you immediately to an unhealthy feeling. Face it: You're a single parent, and on your “off” days - I say that with my eyes rolling up out of my head as I type this - we are NEVER truly off. You do your damnedest to get things done around the house, go to work; learn about your new single lifestyle; think (and hopefully know) that your life has changed, and start thinking about dating and intimacy again. This is when you do not only a physical self-assessment but a mental one as well. So there's that word again: Intimacy. WHAT? You feel as you do feel after being married with kids and you wonder how feelings of intimacy can still exist. Does it at this stage? Yes, it does. And while it's different later in life, regardless of your body type, don't dismiss those thoughts; embrace them, for Pete's sake! I touch on this because I have had so many divorcees (primarily women) say to me, "Oh, I have so many battle wounds from babies, surgeries, and other things that make me run from feelings of getting involved with someone, much less intimate." Add to that the men with the beginning of man boobs, and it seems like a pity party for all with no happy ending. But wait just one minute... Remember, you are in an emotional, physical, and mental transition right now. Sure, everyone later in life thinks back to the times they were in the best shape of their lives, but that may or may not be the current case. And it may never be again, but don't let that hold you back. Pull yourself up by the bootstraps, face the moment (and that body in the mirror) and remember that this new life chapter is all about new beginnings, shared experiences, and what could possibly be a whole fresh start. You are beautiful inside and out no matter what!

The effects on children and divorce vary between night and day. Some children are too young to remember, then others it has traumatized or affected them in some way, shape, or form. Let's discuss 7 things you can do to make children feel safe and to help them through this process. No. 1: Do not fight about anything in front of the kids, and this behavior terrifies a child who doesn't understand what is happening to their family. No. 2: Get them on a consistent schedule immediately if we are in a custody battle for whatever reason - do not speak about it in front of the children. Make a schedule that they understand and know where they go daily. No. 3: If you are an adult, try to control any bashing of your soon-to-be ex-partner. Those are the things kids remember. For instance, when I was about 20-23, I asked my parents to please stop- I was still trying to navigate the new world and wanted relationships with both my parents. Much bitterness was happening during my parent's divorce; I was 15 and started acting out because of it. No. 4: Talk to your kids at their level. If they are younger, i.e., under 13, sit down and tell them in a way they can process and let them ask questions. It was a reeling pain when we told our kids, even though they suspected something was up. Idea: Prepare answers in advance and refrain from deflecting from those. No. 5: Make both places they like to feel like home. I find many children do not feel comfortable. There is undoubtedly the whoever keeps the house scenario. If children have "grown up" there, that house may feel like home. They will adjust over time in the beginning (even though I encourage keeping to a schedule - be flexible). No. 6: Focus on the children. Take them to do something or start a new tradition that they will remember and where they will feel special. This is so important -even though you are hurting, remember they are too and doing something fun: hiking, bowling, walking, riding bikes, going to a local festival. It can all start a new pattern of happiness. No. 7: You are human, and it's all right to be sad in front of your kids as long as you are not in a fight with your ex. It's ok to cry; this is a huge transition for you too. It would be best to practice self-care to implement all or some of the above. Tell your kids if you feel comfortable with "why" you are crying, and help them understand that this is not a sign of weakness. It's being HUMAN, and it is OK. Journaling activity: 1) Have you told your kids? How did they react? 2) How are you feeling? 3) How is your relationship with your ex? 4) What can you do to emotionally support your kids? Just a few questions to get you thinking. My heart is with you during this painful experience.

The time you and your spouse decide to separate can give you peace and grief, making the scenario one of the most complex decisions of your life. Does separation mean it’s over? I mean, officially over. Does it mean we are still hanging on to what’s left of a marriage? Can you go back from a separation to a committed relationship? Does therapy help you sort this out? The answers to those questions are entirely dependent on your situation. When I see someone post that he or she is “separated” on a social network or dating site, I think, “Why the announcement to the public?” Is that meant to imply I’m free for a bit or forever? And then there’s this: Is the one stating this is trying to hurt the other person? Are they crying for help because they are sad and lonely? All these questions lead to the one at the gut – pardon the pun – of the situation: Is it truly the end or are you still trying the ‘cuts like a knife into your heart’ routine? According to a quick search on Google: “Statistically, 80% of couples who enter a marital separation end up divorcing. And, on average, they remain separated for three years before finalizing their divorce. On the other hand, on average, 10% of those who separate reunite within two years.” Which leads me to ask-Why? Yes, 80% may end in a divorce, but per the above, it could be years before you decide which avenue to go down. Sadly, that is a lot of time for suffering and confusion for you, your partner, your children, and your family. Additionally, separated couples live in the same household for months and years and end up like roommates who do not speak, which is unhealthy for everyone involved. Needless to say, this creates an almost unbearable, underlying tension that makes everyone completely miserable. My advice? If you can make it happen when you decide to separate from your partner, really separate to find clarity in what you want for the future. Seek therapy for you and your partner; couples counseling may help. And don’t forget this if you’re wavering: If it’s over, it’s OVER. Rip off that band-aid and move on if your gut tells you it won’t work. Life is too short to be miserable; it is no fun for anyone, especially you. Remember, you may or may not realize you're making those around you miserable. Back to manifesting – you can display a happier life; you have to decide what is best for you, and no one can tell you this but YOU. Peace, Erin

You have reasons for wanting to rekindle the intimacy in your life, but you're not sure how to do it. That's okay! We're here to help. All you need is information on how to get started and where to go from there. You're not in a dating relationship but want to be intimate. You can be close to your friends, family, and pets, and you don't have to have a partner to experience intimacy. Intimacy is about physical or emotional connection and being yourself around someone else. It might seem like an obvious thing, but many of us don't spend enough time alone so that we know our feelings well enough before we enter into relationships (which is why many people find themselves getting into bad ones). It's just as vital for you to connect with yourself as it is for others--if not more so! Spending time alone has been shown in studies conducted by Harvard Medical School researchers Paul J Zak & Stephen W Brown "to increase levels of oxytocin (the "love hormone") which promotes feelings of trust between two individuals." When you're in a relationship, and things aren't going well, it can be hard to know what to do. You may feel like you're the only one who wants sex or intimacy, but this isn't true! Your partner might need some time and patience before they get back into the mood. If your partner is showing signs of being interested again (like flirting), wait until they initiate it before making any moves yourself, or if it takes too long –say, “Hey, what is up?”. Work on building trust and communication between each other so that when one person does want more intimacy again down the road (or right away!), both partners will be ready for what comes next. You want to meet someone new and see where it goes; to be open to new experiences, you need to feel comfortable with the person and know they won't judge or hurt you. You also want them to care about your well-being and respect your boundaries. If someone has any of those qualities missing, it's best not to refrain from pursuing anything further with them. When you are in a dry spell, it's important to remember that intimacy cannot be forced or rushed. The best way to get through an intimacy dry spell is by taking your time and getting to know the person you want to be intimate with or just going crazy and having some fun (if you cannot wait any longer). There are many reasons why you might be in an intimacy dry spout. You may be dating someone new, or you may need more time to jump into a relationship. Whatever the case, remember that it's okay to take things slow and let yourself get to know someone before jumping into bed with them! Unless you feel an immediate connection and are comfortable jumping in bed with them immediately. Let me reinforce that you can make your world what you want it to be, and just being open and honest about your needs is an excellent foundation for you and potential partners. We encourage you to do what is best for you now! Erin

You can do plenty of things to keep from texting your ex, like reaching out to someone else for help or getting into another relationship. But if you're determined not to text them and don't want them in your life, follow these simple steps: Don't text your ex; wait 2-4 minutes and think about the text before you hit send. Texting is not an excellent way to communicate, it's too easy to get lost in translation, and you may need help to understand what your ex is trying to say. If you text, make sure it isn't a drunken text message or one you will regret later when sober. If you need to reach out, call their phone or send an email. Texting is not an excellent way to communicate with someone who has broken up with you or left your life. If you text, make sure it's short and to the point. If they don't respond right away (or ever), leave them alone until they've had time to move on from this relationship that ended for both of you. Do not text or message them when upset or angry with them. That will only make things worse. Do not drunk text or message your ex. It's a bad idea, and it will make things worse. You can get in trouble for sending texts while intoxicated. You might even say things you don't mean or remember later, leading to future misunderstandings and fights between the two of you. It's a good idea to text your ex during business hours. After all, they're an adult, right? They can make their own choices. But the truth is that there are many reasons why they might not want to engage with you at that moment. They could be busy with work or have plans with friends or family members who don't know about you yet (if you broke up). They may also be focused on hobbies or passions that take up most of their time--and if so, texting will probably not help them feel less stressed out about those things. If they are trying to reach out to you, give them space and time before answering their call or responding to their message. This way, they will know that you still care about them, but not so much that you seem desperate for their attention. If they are trying to reach out to you, give them space and time before answering their call or responding to their message. This way, they will know that you still care about them, but not so much that you seem desperate for their attention. For example: if your ex texted "Hey" and then didn't follow up with another message, then it might be best not to respond right away because this could lead to a conversation where both parties are trying to get the other person back, which can lead down a negative path where neither party gets what they want (i.e., closure). It's a simple rule, but it's one that many people seem to need help following. If you're thinking of reaching out to them, ask yourself if there's another way to contact them instead of sending a text message. If the answer is yes (and it should be), then reach out in any other way possible--email, calling their phone, or even instant messaging them on social media platforms like Facebook Messenger or WhatsApp if they'll accept your friend request (and if not, consider unfriending). These tips will help you avoid the pitfalls of texting your ex! Restrain my friends, Restrain, Erin

Divorce can significantly impact the mental health of the children involved. Studies show that kids whose parents are in the throes of divorce have higher rates of depression and anxiety than their peers in intact families. Additionally, these kids may struggle with guilt, shame, and confusion about the reasons behind their parent's separation. Thus, parents need to provide significant emotional support and open communication during this difficult time to help their children cope with the changes in their family structure. If you are a parent going through a divorce, there are several things you can do to help your kids cope and notably include: - Ensure that they receive support from both parents. - Encourage open communication and validate their feelings throughout the process. - Be honest with them about what's happening but avoid sharing too many details. Here's a biggie: Balancing honesty and age-appropriate information is essential. Experts recommend that parents explain why a divorce is happening without blaming or demonizing the other parent is necessary. Children must know they are not at fault and that both parents still love them. Parents should also reassure their children that even though their family is changing, they will still be cared for, and everything will be OK. Next: Prioritizing open communication and emotional support for children is crucial during and after a divorce. Parents can involve their children in appropriate decision-making, such as choosing custody schedules and living arrangements. Ensuring that both parents play an active role in their children's lives is essential, as maintaining a sense of routine and stability can ease the transition. Additionally, I urge you to seek support from a therapist or counselor who can provide parents and children with the tools they need to manage the emotional challenges of all stages of a divorce. I hope this helps you navigate how you can support your children during this challenging period in all your lives. Best of luck with everything, Erin