Continuity in the Care of Your Children

Routines bring a sense of peace and order to our lives. During times of transition finding a way to create consistency can bring comfort. This is why finding small ways to maintain routine can help kids to feel more secure during a divorce or separation. Below are tips for ways to create a sense of security for your children in this time of change.

Keeping the same childcare provider will greatly benefit the children. Take time to discuss with the provider the situation and how you would like it handled. Make sure that she remains neutral and doesn’t take sides. If you childcare provider notices any stress or changes with your child, be sure she discusses this with you. Often the childcare provider may see situations with the kids that the parents may not. Make your childcare provider part of your success team. Keeping a strong relationship with them will help towards getting your children through this difficult time.

If the situation occurs where a new childcare provider needs to be hired, invite them over to visit with the whole family. Be sure to setup communication between the old and new childcare providers so that they can ensure a smooth transition for the kids. Both of these providers care about the kids, having them be able to share their experiences and knowledge will help the children tremendously. They know the child’s eating habits, nap times, favorite play activities and other facts that will help the new childcare provider get a better start.

Communication is truly the key to keeping the children’s best interest at hand. It’s especially important as parents to be able to discuss child issues calmly and work together as a team to parent the kids. When parents work together with the childcare provider, it makes it much easier for the children to cope with their new life.

Brian James is an experienced divorce and family mediator with offices throughout Chicagoland and Southeastern Wisconsin. He runs a mediation practice, C.E.L. and Associates where his approach to mediation is client driven.

For more articles to help your child during and after your divorce process, visit www.divorcemag.com/articles/Children_and_Divorce.