Divorce often affects children, especially when they have to adjust to living in two houses. No matter the age of the children, this change can be terrifying. To help your kids adjust, follow these three tips:

1. Understand the importance of expressing joy

There is always a light at the end of the tunnel. Although it may seem hard, one of the best things you can do for your family in a challenging situation like divorce is to stay positive. When you are around your children, keep your negative emotions regarding your ex in check. Remember, they are your child’s other parent, and they deserve to have a loving relationship with one another.

2. Maintain contact outside of your parenting time

One of the best ways to support your child through this laborious process is to maintain superb communication with them while they are in the other parent’s custody. Of course, this does not mean you should constantly be calling your children and taking away from your ex’s parenting time, but rather scheduling phone calls and video chats to catch up at least once or twice a week.

3. Ensure your children have a complete understanding of their schedule

Ensure that your child knows where they will be and when. What this looks like varies greatly depending on the age of your children. For example, you should let a younger child know whose house they will be at on certain days of the week. You should help older children understand what parenting time is and how you and your ex-spouse have it divided up.