Single Parenting: Making Your Home Their Home Too

by Angel Lynn Diamond | More from this Blogger

07 Mar 2009 12:21 PM

Living apart from your children due to divorce can be very difficult, not only for yourself, but for your children as well. It does not have to be that way, however. Being the noncustodial parent can be very lonely. The house is deathly silent when the kids are not visiting. Coming from a house full of noisy, playing children and another adult in the home is a huge transition in itself.

Due to the divorce situation your children will likely be traveling back and forth for visitations. They know the custodial parent's home well because they are there for the majority of the time. It may even be the home that they have been growing up in since they were born. They have their designated rooms to put their belongings in, as well as other areas of the house perhaps. When they go to visit the noncustodial parent things do not feel quite the same at first, but this will come in time.

When your children come to visit let them know that the house that you are in is "our" house, meaning yours and the kids. Try to give the kids their own space. If you can give them each their own space that would be great, but if you cannot due to limitations they can share a space amongst themselves. Even giving each of them their own shelf would be helpful just as long as they know it is theirs and theirs alone in their house that they share with you. Make sure that they have extra clothes, personal items, and some toys there. Establish rituals in your house so they know what to expect, as children are more comfortable with certainty in their lives.

There is a great adjustment period whenever change occurs. Some adjustments take longer than others do, but they do come with time. You may never get used to the quietness in your new home after the kids have left from their visit, but try to remember the laughter and smile, looking forward to the next visit and the good times to come.

Angel Lynn writes in weight loss, single parenting, and health.

Learn more about Angel Lynn Diamond

I am a mom to my precious one and only, a nurse in a heartwarming adult living facility, and a freelance writer.

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