How to Keep Your Kids Grounded During Divorce
When you go through a divorce, life can feel like a constant state of change. For many women, that includes moving homes, adjusting to new routines, and helping children feel secure through it all. I know this firsthand. My kids have lived in five different homes and spent time in two temporary housing situations with family. The first two houses were our marital homes, and the next three were where each parent lived separately. Those in-between homes were transitional stays with family.
People often say, “Kids are resilient” or “Kids adapt easily.” But is that really true? I’m not a psychologist, yet everything I’ve seen suggests that, yes, kids really can adjust, especially when they have a sense of comfort, consistency, and love.
A house doesn’t automatically feel like a home. It becomes one through warmth, familiarity, and the memories you create inside it. Whether you’re living in a small apartment, a rented condo, or a large house, what matters most is how it feels. Many people live in beautiful homes that don’t feel homey at all. The key is to intentionally make your new space feel like home during your divorce transition.
Here are three ways to help your children stay grounded and feel secure when everything around them is changing.
1. Surround Them with Familiar Objects
Even if you’re tempted to start fresh and get rid of everything, hold on to a few meaningful items. Bring the scratched-up coffee table, your kids’ favorite blankets, or the family photos that always hung in the hallway. These familiar pieces connect children to their past and bring comfort in a new environment.
2. Stay Connected with Familiar People
After moving, you might not feel like inviting anyone over. But reconnecting with friends and family in your new space helps both you and your kids feel settled. Host a small get-together, even if it’s just for pizza and a movie. Surrounding yourselves with loved ones builds new memories and turns your new home into a place filled with warmth.
3. Continue Familiar Activities
Keep your kids’ favorite routines and activities alive. If they used to play board games or bake cookies together in your previous home, keep doing those same things. These moments remind them that, even in a new place, their family bond remains strong.
Create a Positive Energy in Your New Home
Your attitude matters more than you might think. Even if your new place isn’t what you dreamed of, your positivity sets the tone. Maybe this home is smaller or temporary. That’s okay. It represents a fresh start and a foundation for what comes next. Focus on what truly matters: your independence, your peace, and the quality time you share with your children.
Your new home doesn’t need to be perfect to be meaningful. When you fill it with love, laughter, and gratitude, your kids will feel safe and secure no matter where they are.
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