The Golden Rule of Divorce
"Thou shalt not disparage they ex in the presence of thy child."
Making mean and unfair remarks that paints your ex as incompetent or undermining his or her relationships with your children IS emotional child abuse. We can not stress enough how important it is to protect the children in this difficult time of your life.
Even in a well-handled divorce, no one is perfect. I don't know one divorced parent who hasn't broken this rule. For example, "I can't believe your father let you watch cartoons all day, would it kill him to take you to the park?" It happens. Learn to apologize and move on.
But what happens when your ex continuously tells the children malicious and exaggerated allegations?
Picture this, your child comes home from your ex's house and says, "Daddy said we couldn't go to swimming lessons anymore because you took all his money."
9 out of 10 people would admit to being furious and want to retaliate. It's most important to remember in this situation - this is emotional child abuse.
This is a tough pill to swallow, and it will be difficult to not react.
3 DO'S WHEN RESPONDING TO YOUR
CHILDREN AFTER YOU EX HAS THROWN YOU UNDER:
1. Stay calm, and empathize with your children about how difficult it is to hear bad things about one parent from another.
2. Correct the inaccurate information in a gentle manner
3. Reassure the child and let them know they can come to you with future worries
