The stress parents face during divorce can bring that conflict and stress into the home environment and their children. If you’ve criticized your ex or even lost your cool about the situation in front of your children, here are some ways you can keep your children clear of the emotional damage.

By Alison Fosbery, M.A

Do you hope to make your divorce as easy as possible for your children? Parents often face very stressful situations during a divorce. Sometimes stress can cause parents to vent to their children, and conflict can surface in front of them. It is important to realize that children of divorce become anxious when they are exposed to family conflict.

Children rely on their home environment for stability and comfort in order for them to develop emotionally. When there is conflict, it can feel as though their world is crumbling, and their sense of safety and trust becomes compromised. Certain issues that seem trivial to adults are intensified a great deal in the mind of a child.

If you have mistakenly fought in front of your children or have said negative things about your ex, it’s not too late to do the right thing.

Here are 5 ways you can ensure children are left out of conflict:

  1. Resolve your anger. You and your ex-spouse are beginning a different relationship as co-parents. Resolving anger and resentment will make your life much easier, and it will make for a relaxed transition. If you need professional help with resolution, get it quickly. Your children will thank you for finding peace as co-parents, and your interactions with your ex will become stress-free.
  2. Discuss issues only when children are not around. It is very important to deal with conflict at a lunch meeting, or another place where children cannot hear. This does not mean going into the bedroom to raise your voice. Children are very perceptive, so even if they can’t hear exactly what you are saying, they know you are fighting. They immediately become frightened, and if this continues they can develop persisting issues with anxiety.
  3. Don’t burden children with adult problems. Children of divorce can panic when they hear parents complaining about money, custody, or other issues that they don’t fully understand. They immediately think their hockey league or other expenditures are the reason for your worries. It’s best to vent about these issues with another adult. Children usually blame themselves, and when there is a divorce or separation they become even more sensitive.
  4. Speak only positively about your ex. Dealing with an ex can be extremely challenging. When you make negative comments, know that you are attacking either your child’s mother or father. When you experience the urge to point out your ex’s flaws, imagine how it would feel if someone was attacking one of your parents. Even if your ex is not the best role model, pointing this out only damages their relationship further, and children will eventually resent you for these comments. If you change your attitude and only speak highly of your ex, they will be humbled by your maturity during this difficult time.
  5. Ensure they understand the divorce is not their fault. You can never tell your children too many times that they are not responsible for the divorce. Repeatedly explain that divorce happens because relationships change over time, and adult issues are complicated. Emphasize your love for them, and tell them daily that they are not to worry about adult problems. Tell them to concentrate on being children and good students, and that you as parents will solve any problems that may arise.

Unfortunately your marriage has ended for one reason or another, but you can ensure your children don’t have to deal with the consequences of their parents’ decisions. Find positive ways to nurture your child’s relationship with your ex. Your optimism will relieve them, and they will be glad to take a break from worrying about their family situation. When they are old enough to make sense of their childhood, they will be extremely grateful that you took control of your behaviour and left them out of conflict.


Alison Fosbery, M.A. is a relationship and family counsellor practicing in the Greater Toronto Area. She has worked with children and adults for over ten years. Alison has a master’s degree in counselling psychology. She is a member of the Association for Conflict Resolution. Alison is committed to helping divorced couples permanently resolve resentment and develop healthy co-parenting skills. Her unique methods have empowered her clients to remain positive and begin a smooth transition. You can reach her at info@alisonfosbery.com and visit her site at www.alisonfosbery.com.