Now that you and your soon-to-be ex-spouse have decided to divorce, there are a million decisions to make. Many will revolve around your children. Child custody and parenting time are huge considerations, and a big part of that is figuring out ways to make one family home into two.
Reducing the impact on your children’s’ lives
The first things to figure out are ways to minimize the impacts on your children’s lives. First, is the impact on their school and academic lives. This can be done by one of the parents living in the school district. Next, is to keep their friend circle intact, which can also be done by staying in the school district, but might be better served in staying closer to the family home or neighborhood. That may not be possible, but attempts should be made. And, at least in the short term, the parents should make it a priority to stay close together to make sure trips between homes are short.
Reduce the psychological impact
Second, you will need to work on the psychological impact of this separation on your children. This will need to be done with the help of a trained mental health provider and with open and honest communication. This may mean family therapy, individual therapy, or some combination of the two.
Look for connections you can bring with you
Talk with your children about items that can be brought with you and your soon-to-be ex-spouse from the old family home to the new White Plains, New York, homes that bring your children joy. They should be items that remind them of family, of their home and that make them happy. These are bridges between their old life and new life.
Make them a part of the home/renting process
As you home or apartment shop in Westchester, New York, bring your kids with you, and make them a part of the process. This includes making them a part of decorating it as well. You want to make sure that they feel included and that they have a say and a voice in everything (even if they actually do not).
Give them their own space or room
Once you move in, make sure the kids each have their own space too. Preferably, this would be their own room, but if not, they should at least, have their own space, regardless of size. This should include those items they choose, including from the old White Plains, New York, family home.