The biggest challenge of divorce is dealing with the impact it has on the children involved. Many times children are affected by some of the events leading up to their parents' separation, but most have a much more difficult time coping once the divorce is final and living arrangements and family structure change.
While a child is going through these changes, it is crucial that they receive continuous support, love, understanding, and compassion from adults in their lives. Many times, teachers and school staff are the adults who are best able to provide this support. This article contains some tips and valuable information for school staff who are working with kids from divorced homes.
Educators should watch for changes in the behavior of children as they adjust to the changes at home. Many teachers have become more concerned with testing and benchmarking as a result of the No Child Left Behind Act. This has taken some of their attention away from the less obvious needs of their students.
It may also be helpful for teachers and counselors to learn about local resources available to help children who are going through the divorce process. Many times, there are after-school support programs or financial aid available to help single parents with day care costs.
Thirdly, educators should provide input to school administrators regarding the need for additional social workers and counselors who can intervene on behalf of the children who may be the forgotten victims of divorce. Since school is like a second home to children during the week, it is the logical place for mental health and social welfare assets.
Most importantly, educators need to set aside time to listen to the newly single parent in parent-teacher conferences and other meetings where one-on-one contact with the parent is possible. That small amount of time gives the parent a much needed opportunity to share frustrations, ask questions about changes that may be occurring in the child, and share information with the teacher that may be helpful in working with the child.
It is well known that traumatic or drastic changes in a child's life can lead to emotional problems for the child, especially if they are not dealt with early on. Sometimes, the biggest source of support or intervention for children of divorce and even the newly single parent can come from a teacher. Recognizing emotional and behavioral issues and dealing with children and family members going through the divorce process is a key action that today's teachers need to take. - 15784
While a child is going through these changes, it is crucial that they receive continuous support, love, understanding, and compassion from adults in their lives. Many times, teachers and school staff are the adults who are best able to provide this support. This article contains some tips and valuable information for school staff who are working with kids from divorced homes.
Educators should watch for changes in the behavior of children as they adjust to the changes at home. Many teachers have become more concerned with testing and benchmarking as a result of the No Child Left Behind Act. This has taken some of their attention away from the less obvious needs of their students.
It may also be helpful for teachers and counselors to learn about local resources available to help children who are going through the divorce process. Many times, there are after-school support programs or financial aid available to help single parents with day care costs.
Thirdly, educators should provide input to school administrators regarding the need for additional social workers and counselors who can intervene on behalf of the children who may be the forgotten victims of divorce. Since school is like a second home to children during the week, it is the logical place for mental health and social welfare assets.
Most importantly, educators need to set aside time to listen to the newly single parent in parent-teacher conferences and other meetings where one-on-one contact with the parent is possible. That small amount of time gives the parent a much needed opportunity to share frustrations, ask questions about changes that may be occurring in the child, and share information with the teacher that may be helpful in working with the child.
It is well known that traumatic or drastic changes in a child's life can lead to emotional problems for the child, especially if they are not dealt with early on. Sometimes, the biggest source of support or intervention for children of divorce and even the newly single parent can come from a teacher. Recognizing emotional and behavioral issues and dealing with children and family members going through the divorce process is a key action that today's teachers need to take. - 15784
About the Author:
Attorney Cristi Trusler offers practical advice at AustinDivorceHelp.com. Review basic information about the divorce practice by watching Austin Texas divorce seminar 24/7.