Going through a divorce if you have children under 3

Going through a divorce is always going to be a difficult time, regardless of whether you have children or not. If you do have children, their age will be a huge factor in how they will respond to these changes.

In some ways, having a child under the age of 3 can make things easier – they will be less aware of the concept of divorce, and will have fewer concerns and reflections. However, young children are more susceptible to changes in routine than one might think. You should not underestimate how young children process seeing their parents upset or having their routine disrupted. The following are some tips on helping your child through these changes.

Don’t get upset in front of your child

Babies as young as 3 months old can become impacted by the emotions of their parents. You’ll undoubtedly encounter tearful moments or times when you’ll feel angry or sad. You must make a conscious effort to avoid these reactions when in the presence of your child.

Reassure your child rather than explain

Children under the age of 3 will not understand complex concepts such as divorce, therefore it’s probably best to reassure them with very simple statements. If your child is upset because they miss their other parent, you might want to explain to them when they will see their other parent, and that the parent loves them very much.

If you are struggling to decide whether to file for divorce because you are worried about the impact it will have on your children, you should focus on your long-term vision of what you want life to look like for your family.