Adjusting to life after a divorce is difficult for everyone involved. For children used to having one house, suddenly splitting their time between two households is a major adjustment. That is a two-way street – for parents used to having their children home all the time, suddenly spending time alone while they're with your ex can be bizarre.

For this article, we're going to focus on the child's side of things. If you notice a major behavior shift from your children as you are starting a new parenting plan, it is likely just them adjusting to the changes along with you. Here are some tips for helping your children adjust to splitting time between two parents and two households:

Keep the Switch Off Consistent. Establishing routines is the best way to make things feel natural and normal. Set patterns for the way you switch off the children every time. This can include always meeting at the same place at the same time, and making sure it's the same parent taking them every time. This will help your child understand that this is the new normal for them.

Let the Child Help Decorate. Take their taste into consideration! A way to make some fun out of setting up a new room (or modifying an old one) is to let your child have some input on the decorations. There is no reason why this can't be a fun process!

Don't Trash Talk. It is important to not speak ill of your co-parent in front of the children. Children are much more intelligent than they can appear, and their emotional intuition is much stronger than adults. If you are upset with your ex, don't show it in front of your child, because they will be able to tell and it will alter their perspective. Your child does not need to pick a side in the divorce, they just need to be loved by both of their parents.

Keep a Few Common Rules. Having some set rules that cross over between households is a great idea. It doesn't have to be much, but establishing things like bedtimes, meal options, or allowed content is a great way to maintain consistency about important issues no matter which household a child is in.

Keep Some Essentials On Hand. If you are expecting your child to carry their own toothbrush back and forth every week, you may be setting yourself up for disappointment. Take the burden off of them by keeping some essential supplies and extra clothes at your house all of the time. Anything you can do to normalize and streamline the packing process for them is a big plus.

Adjusting to splitting time between parents is a major change, but remember it is for the best! For help with your divorce or child custody, contact Ahluwalia Law Professional Corporation today! Let someone you can trust help you with your legal issues.