If you’re raising kids and working a job or building a business at the same time, a divorce is going to make things at least a hundred times more difficult. Already dreading the divorce proceedings before it even starts? Don’t worry. Here are some ways to minimize the effects of the divorce on your work life and your children, most notably:
1. Take time off
Meeting a family lawyer, taking care of the papers, and handling everything else in between is exhausting. So to not compromise your home life and your well-being, take some time off of work. Even if it’s just a few vacation days, it should be enough time to get the divorce process started. Moreover, you can also use the leave from work as an opportunity to prepare your children for what’s about to happen, particularly the changes that they will eventually have to face.
2. Minimize disruptions in your kids’ routine
A consistent routine provides comfort to children whose parents are going through a divorce, mainly because of the familiarity and absence of unpredictability. And as a parent, this can also provide a sense of comfort for you. Try to keep your kids’ routine the same as it was before you and your spouse decided to get a divorce. Although there are going to be some significant changes eventually, easing them into it is the best way to go.
3. Reach out to your boss
A divorce is something that can easily affect other aspects of your life, so before that happens, reach out to your supervisor for help. Let them know of your situation so they can provide some level of support and flexibility. Don’t be afraid to ask for help or get some leeway for divorce proceedings, family obligations, and other things that you have to do outside of work. In this way, there won’t be any misunderstandings when you need some time off or act differently at work.
4. Find good childcare options
In most divorce cases, one parent has already moved out of the house. If this is the case for you and you have the kids, finding a good childcare option can relieve the pressure of being the only one to take care of them. If your children are too young for school, look around for good daycares that can accommodate them while you’re at work. On the other hand, if they already attend school, find a good babysitter who can take care of them before you get home.
5. Take care of yourself
A divorce can take everything out of you, both physically and emotionally. That said, don’t forget to take care of yourself so you can take care of your kids and continue going to work. Eat right, hydrate your body, and engage in regular exercise. At the same time, avoid drinking, overeating, or smoking to comfort yourself. In this way, you can avoid getting sick and putting yourself through even more physical and mental hardship.
There’s no easy way to get through a divorce, mainly if you are a working parent at the same time. However, these strategies can make the process a little bit less complicated for you and the rest of your family, which is better than not doing anything about it.
