National Absolutely Incredible Kids Day, celebrated on March 20, is a special day created by Camp Fire to recognize and appreciate the many qualities of children by communicating to them how much we admire them. It’s a day to honor their creativity, bravery, and unique personalities. Parents, teachers, and mentors take this opportunity to send a letter or otherwise create a message of encouragement to the children in their lives with words that focus on their potential and their positive impact on the world.
The Resilience of Kids
Children are remarkably resilient, able to adjust to new circumstances and bounce back from challenges. Their adaptability and strength are often underestimated, but it’s essential to recognize that even the most resilient children can face significant hurdles, particularly during major life changes such as divorce. On National Absolutely Incredible Kids Day, it is a great idea for parents to share with their kids how much they are loved and that the change in the shape of the family does nothing to lessen that love.
Divorce: A Difficult Transition for the Entire Family
In the course of a divorce, children can experience feelings of confusion, sadness, and anxiety as they encounter and become accustomed to the changes in their family dynamics. Parents can play a huge role in managing the stress of the transition by taking proactive steps to support them during this turbulent time.
Here are some suggestions:
1. Keep a regular schedule: Children of different ages have different needs, but no matter their stage of development, consistent daily routines, such as mealtimes, bedtimes, and school activities, can provide children with a sense of normalcy and predictability. Try to establish a custody or visitation schedule as soon as possible and make a point to stick to it so that the children know what to expect.
2. Maintain traditions and create new ones: Is Sunday Game Night? Does the family watch March Madness together? Keeping up with family traditions can give children a sense of continuity so they can feel like life isn’t completely changed, and they can cherish regular events. At the same time, parents can create new traditions and invite their children to participate in the planning. This will make the new normal feel like a positive.
3. Help kids talk about their feelings: Encourage open communication and let children know it’s okay to express their emotions. Listening to their concerns and validating their feelings can help them process the changes.
4. Keep them out of adult disputes: Shield children from parental conflicts and disagreements. Children will already feel a strain on their loyalties to each parent, and it is essential not to add to that distress by asking them to pick sides, act as the messenger, or otherwise have to get involved in the dissolving relationship of their parents.
5. Reassure them of unconditional love: Continuously remind children that they are loved unconditionally by both parents and that the divorce is not their fault.
By incorporating these practices, parents can help their children navigate the complexities of divorce and emerge stronger and more resilient. Absolutely Incredible Kids Day is a poignant reminder to celebrate our children’s strength, creativity, and boundless potential, even in the face of life’s challenges.