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Prepare your kids for your post-divorce return to work

On Behalf of | Jan 11, 2021 | Divorce

If you stayed home to raise the kids during your marriage, you may be thinking about returning to the workforce after your divorce concludes. Still, leaving your kids to start a new job may cause you to experience some emotional angst.

While it may take time for the feeling in the pit of your stomach to go away completely, you can take certain steps to prepare your kids for your return to work.

Explain the situation

Your children may have difficulty adjusting to your return to work. Consequently, you should explain the situation using age-appropriate language. If you share custody of your kids with your ex-spouse, consider asking him or her for help with the conversation. Also, be sure to give your kids plenty of time to ask questions and express their feelings.

Create a new routine

Readying yourself and your children for your first day of work may take more time than you think. Accordingly, before starting your new position, create a morning routine. Then, test your new routine to be sure it works for everyone in your post-divorce family.

Find quality childcare

If you have younger children, having competent childcare while you are at work is probably essential.  Plan to interview prospective providers to see which one is the best fit. Furthermore, so the stress of a new job and new childcare do not overlap, consider starting childcare a week or two before beginning your job.

While quality childcare may ultimately help your children cope with your post-divorce return to work, you should regularly check in to see how the kids are doing. Your childcare professional may spot adjustment issues before they turn into significant problems.