Family Tips

Some kids can voice their feelings, others just won’t have the words, but all this depends on their age and development. Children may be angry or depressed. For school-age kids this usually becomes apparent by school marks, while younger children express their feelings in play.
It may seem attractive to tell a child the way he should feel, but parents should avoid that temptation. Children and adults, as well, have a right to their feelings.
Don’t defame your ex-spouse in front of your child, even if you’re still angry or are at odds with him or her. This is really one of the hardest things to do. But it’s very important for your child not to hear bad things about a parent. This is also very important to realize real events. If, for example, one spouse has just abandoned the family by moving out, you need to realize that that has happened. It isn’t responsibility of one parent to explain behavior of the other one - let him or her do that when he or she meets the child.
Parents should try not to use the child as a messenger, especially when they are in bad relations.
When possible, parents should directly communicate with each other about matters connecting with the child, scheduling, visitation, health or school problems.