Preparing for lifestyle changes after a divorce

Ending a marriage can be an overwhelmingly sad and stressful time, but the changes necessitated by divorce aren’t always bad. In fact, some believe their new lives are more meaningful than ever before.

Much of the anxiety over divorce centers over the well-being of children and parents should work together to avoid contentious and costly child custody battles, focusing instead on the best interests of their kids.

Preparing for a new reality

When a divorce is finalized, both parents should be prepared for monumental lifestyle changes, and focus, if possible, on potential benefits, such as:

• Time for yourself: When kids are with the other parent, it can be a lonely and sad time. But you can adapt quickly to take advantage of alone time and develop new hobbies or interests, or just get some rest.
• Being self-sufficient: In many marriages, each spouse typically has their own set of responsibilities, such as bill-paying or home repairs. Single parents have a chance to do everything themselves, which can be boost to their confidence.
• You’re the only sheriff: While many decisions regarding your children will be made through co-parenting, you are now the leader of the household, and it’s up to you to set the rules for the kids when they are in your house.
• Going to work: Whether you were a stay-at-home parent and need to look for work for financial reasons, or you already have a career, finding a new job, or looking for one with more flexible hours and closer to home can be stressful, but also exciting.
• Saving money: If you were accustomed to a two-income household, a significant adjustment might be in order with less money coming in and expenses increasing. However, the previous environment wasn’t working, and understand that more money doesn’t guarantee happiness.

Children of divorced families can thrive

Some parents fear that divorce can have a negative and long-lasting impact on their children’s lives. While the effects can be difficult to deal with, especially at first, many families who have gone through the process say their kids turned out great.

Many believe children know they are loved when parents take care of them when they’re sick, help them with their homework, cheer them on at school events, answer questions honestly and without judgment and teach them right from wrong, regardless of whether both parents are in the same house.