| Kids are wonderful little people, especially when they're | | | | 4. Accept the fact that your ex is a jerk. You wouldn't |
| asleep. They are easy to care for then, because all | | | | be divorcing if you could trust him. Unfortunately, life |
| you have to worry about is whether they've kicked | | | | doesn't always work out the way it should. Don't |
| their blankets off. The rest of the time they are | | | | second guess yourself with questions about what |
| awake, and then, they can create a lot of stress. | | | | would have happened if you had acted differently. |
| Kids who are unhappy with their parent's divorce can | | | | Your marriage fell apart, but that doesn't mean you |
| be especially difficult. Not only must a parent cope with | | | | are unlovable. It just means you and your spouse didn't |
| his / her own doubts and fears, they must try to | | | | see life the same way. |
| manage the situation for their kids so as to make it | | | | 5. Watch your own health. Eat nutritious food and get |
| less scary and stressful. It is a bit like the airlines | | | | plenty of exercise. You may feel like neglecting those |
| warning you to put your own mask on before helping | | | | areas of your life, but what you eat and how you treat |
| someone else. | | | | your body can have a lot to do with how stress |
| You really could loose your breath while trying to put | | | | effects you. |
| an oxygen mask on an uncooperative child. Its nearly | | | | 6. Treat yourself right. Take relaxing bubble baths, or |
| impossible to meet both of your needs at the same | | | | buy a new pair of shoes. It is too easy to feel |
| time. These tips may help you and your kids get | | | | undeserving of luxury when you've been rejected by |
| through. | | | | someone important. Your heart may not be in it at first, |
| 1. Take the kids for an out of town visit to someone | | | | but if you're nice to yourself, you'll begin to feel worthy |
| you trust. Grandparents are good. Aunts, uncles or | | | | again. |
| friends are also good. The whole family might enjoy a | | | | 7. Don't rush yourself to start dating again. But, join |
| break from the divorce and its problems, not to | | | | clubs, and groups that interest you. Give yourself time |
| mention your ex. | | | | to feel what you've lost. But, don't completely shut the |
| 2. If you can't go, see if you can send the kids by | | | | rest of the world out.. Meeting different people and |
| themselves. It could be calming to spend a week or so | | | | making new friends will help you get your mind off |
| with your own thoughts. Having a chance to think | | | | yourself, your spouse and the divorce and its |
| about your current situation and not have to worry | | | | challenges. |
| about planning dinner or doing laundry for the whole | | | | These suggestions may not seem to be about your |
| family could mean a lot. | | | | kids. However, it is like the air plane example I gave |
| 3. Learn a new skill if money is the problem. There are | | | | earlier. If you take care of yourself, you will be healthier. |
| plenty of on-line courses that can teach you what you | | | | If you are healthier, you'll be better able to cope with |
| need to know to get a decent job. They cost a little | | | | your kids' adjustment, no matter what the little dears |
| money, but anything that makes you more employable | | | | throw at you. |
| is a sound investment. | | | | |