Couples going through a divorce in Texas might feel like failures. This feeling can hit harder when the couple has adopted children during the marriage.
Adopted children and divorce
Parents of adopted kids have, without a doubt, gone through the gauntlet of proving both their financial and emotional abilities to support their children. They had to apply, submit to background checks and be approved to take home their children. Because of all their hard work, it is easy to see why parents of adopted children may feel a stronger sense of guilt when they decide to divorce.
Adopted children and parenting time after divorce
Going through a divorce with adoptive children is not much different than going through a divorce with biological children. Ideally, both parents will have equal parenting time and decision-making responsibilities.
However, adopted children may feel much more insecure during a divorce. Feelings of abandonment may resurface, or they may feel as if they were responsible for the divorce. Luckily, there are ways to help your adopted child cope with the added stress of divorce.
Ways to help your adopted child cope
A few different ways to help your child through this difficult time include:
- Peacefully co-parent with your ex-spouse
- Keep a routine during parenting time with your ex-spouse
- Make sure your child knows the divorce was not their fault
- Put your child’s needs above all else for some time post-divorce
You may be feeling intense guilt over the situation, but moving on and making new, positive family memories with your children is important. Allow them to speak openly about their feelings and reassure them that both you and your ex-spouse will love them and be there for them no matter what.