Divorce and Children: Here’s a Gift You Don’t Want to Forget

As a parent, your child’s best interests are very important.  As a result I want to share an important aspect when it comes to divorce and children. A key element of what I call “Best Parent Practices” is making an effort to raise your children with some type of faith system.  “Why is this important?” you may ask.  I’m glad you did!

All of the world’s faith systems have one thing in common

They help us to look beyond just ourselves and our little lives.  This is essential in helping to raise children who are not self-centered.    This worldview also helps in more tangible ways as well, especially when you’ve got an ex-spouse who, out of guilt for the divorce and children, tries to buy your kids everything possible.

Life with divorce and children can be difficult at times.

When all we focus on is our own misery, things can feel very bleak.  Time and time again researchers have proven that one of the best ways to feel better about your bad circumstances is to focus on helping someone who is worse off than you.  Raising your children to look for other’s needs and modeling how to go about doing that, will aid them throughout their lives.  It can be just a simple hug or sharing a snack at lunch with someone who looks sad.

Faith also helps children develop an inner strength

It creates a belief that they are not alone in this life and just passing the days.  Instead, they are here at this point in time, for a specific purpose only they can fulfill.  Knowing they are valued, loved, and have a reason to be here serves our children well in the middle of life’s struggles.  A divorce is a struggle at times for kids.  This faith perspective can help them to see there is a point to it all.

Finally, a strong faith system helps us to feel less isolated.

With divorce and children, life can feel isolating for all of you.  Kids can see they belong to something greater than just themselves or their immediate family.  They are not alone with whatever struggles they may be experiencing.  There are others who believe as they do, whom they can seek out for support.  There is a God or higher power who loves them.  This connectedness is especially important as life continues to change after the divorce, into parents’ dating and then remarriages.

Raising your children with a strong faith system is a legacy you potentially will be passing down through many generations.  This year, don’t make Christmas just about rushing here, there and everywhere for the gifts.  Instead, use this Best Parent Practice when it comes to divorce and children.  Take time to sit down with your kids and give them the gift of faith.

Tags: children, divorce, divorce and children