Frequently Asked Questions
Lifesteps staff has developed a list of Frequently Asked Questions for Families. If you have a question that you would like to have answered, please contact us.
Some of the negative effects include: irritability; fear and stress; trouble sleeping; change in eating habits; physical aggression, including hitting, biting, and bullying of other children; difficulties in a school setting; lack of interest in age appropriate activities, withdrawal and social isolation; difficulty separating from caretakers; and difficulties with peer relationships. If your child is exhibiting any of these symptoms, please seek professional help.
Help your child cope with the effects of divorce and separation in the following ways: reassure your child that they are loved and not to blame for the separation; provide children with structure and reasonable rules that give a sense of security; ask your child about their feelings – be a good, non-defensive listener; be helpful and supportive, even if that means putting your own feelings aside; and find supportive services for your children and for yourself.
Parents often get upset when their children exhibit anger, sadness, or fear. You can help your child understand that emotions are an important part of life. Children can learn to manage emotions, self-soothe and bounce back from conflict and disappointment. Some ways that you can help your child are:
- Tune in. Pay attention to how your child looks/behaves when angry, sad, or happy.
- Accept emotions. Let your child know that positive and negative emotions are normal.
- Label emotions. As your children show their feelings, tell them what you hear and see.
- Guide. Look for the early signs of an outburst, then help your children identify why they are upset. Talk about acceptable ways to express emotions.
- Set limits. Be clear about what behavior you can accept. For example: It’s okay to be angry, but hitting and kicking are not okay.
- Help problem solve. Ask your child to suggest ways to express emotion. Support them as they work it out.
Families Forever is a 4-hour seminar for adults struggling with the challenging changes brought about by divorce, separation, or living in a divided family situation and the pain, frustration, and stress resulting from custody issues. You will learn the behaviors a child may exhibit and how to deal with those behaviors. The seminar will better equip you with methods for responding in a way that will protect the well-being of your child and help you to talk about divorce or separation in a healthy way.
The seminars are designed for divorcing, separated, or never married parents; families who are changing custody or visitation agreements; custodial grandparents; and concerned family members. The program can also benefit educators, social workers, psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, the clergy, or school counselors.
Visit Up To Parents for resources to help you prepare for a Families Forever seminar:
