The divorce process can be a uniquely trying experience. Not only can the process be exhausting mentally, it can also be draining both emotionally and physically. As a result, the finalization of your divorce can feel bittersweet. On the one hand, ending a marriage is almost never easy. However, it can be freeing to have the process finalized.

It is worth noting that once your divorce is finalized, you may need to deal with some other draining aspects of your transition from married life to single life. This is not meant to be a discouraging statement. Rather, it is an observation that may inspire you to prepare for some of the bumps in the road that may be studding your path as a newly single parent. Once you understand that there are certain realities that you may have to prepare for, regardless of exactly how your child custody arrangements have been constructed, you can ensure that you are adequately prepared for them.

For example, your children may struggle with this transition for some time. It is true that divorce can ultimately benefit children, as studies prove that living in a tense household with married parents who are deeply unhappy can often harm children more than divorce can. However, this hopeful reality does not erase the fact that divorce can be initially hard on children. Preparing to be patient and attentive to your child’s needs now may help you cope more fully with this transition once your divorce has been finalized.

The Internet and your local bookstore may give you several other ideas of what kinds of surprises may greet you once you officially become a single parent. Preparing for these challenges now will hopefully help to empower you later.

Source: The Huffington Post, “5 Inconvenient Truths About Divorcing With Children,” Rebecca Bitton, April 30, 2014