Seeing your kids less often after a divorce is hard, whether you share custody or have a visitation arrangement.
It takes some time to get your bearings when transitioning from seeing your children every day. Here are a few tips to help you adjust.
1. Start or resume a hobby
After divorce, you probably have much more time on your hands. Find the silver lining in your newfound free time and start a new hobby or pick up an old one you let go by the wayside in the busyness of raising kids.
2. Do something for yourself
A divorce is a taxing time, whether you have children or not. However, closing this chapter in your life allows you to start the next. Get out of the house and do something you enjoy, such as shopping, golfing or going to a restaurant. Consider inviting a friend or family member to keep you company.
3. Make plans for the next time you see your children
Instead of focusing on how much time you are not spending with your kids, look forward to planning activities for the next time you are together. You can create opportunities for quality bonding time by incorporating mutually enjoyable activities.
4. Find a caring ear to listen
Whether it be a close friend, family member or mental health counselor, find someone to share in meaningful conversation. Your frustrations and feelings are valid, and talking about them might help you make sense of your experience and work toward acceptance and healing.
Divorcing with children is a unique challenge. In time, with some mindfulness and support, you can begin creating a new chapter of your life that brings you happiness.
