August is Family Fun Month, a reminder to spend quality time with your family during the golden hour of summer – before the chaos of regular school-time life ensues. Though during the divorce process, this goal may feel nearly impossible to achieve, this quality time together and focus on your children can make all the difference for them.
With so much of the focus on the separation and the parent’s emotions, children can often feel lost and forgotten. Taking a little time to play and laugh together can have positive and lasting impacts on both you and your children – and provide some much-needed relief from the transition stressors. Families come in all shapes and sizes – and whether you’re becoming a single parent or part of a blended family – there’s a lot to celebrate during Family Fun Month – and spending quality time with your children will show them that you will be there for them no matter what shifts take place.
With that in mind, here are five fun things you can do with your child during a divorce!
1. Spend Time In Nature.
Whether you go for a hike or a walk around your local park, there are many benefits to spending more time in the great outdoors.
For example, “multiple studies have found positive associations between children spending time in nature and mental health.” As a result, these activities can be particularly beneficial for children experiencing divorce, as they may be dealing with many complicated emotions during this time. Spending time in nature can help them process everything happening and their feelings. As you’re spending this time together, it can also mean you’re on hand to answer any questions they might have, which can alleviate some of their concerns and anxieties.
2. Go To The Movies.
Going to the cinema (or hosting your own at-home movie night) is another great way to have fun together as a family during the divorce process. This is because it serves as a great form of escapism. For a few hours, everyone can leave behind their stress and worries in favor of having fun! As such, it’s the perfect activity to participate in when your children feel overwhelmed.
3. Get Creative.
Doing something creative, such as scrapbooking, painting, or drawing, can once again provide your child with a healthy outlet for their emotions. For example, they may be able to convey their emotions more clearly through art than they can with their words. As such, they may come away from your arts and crafts sessions with a feeling of relief – as they can get something off their chest they would otherwise have been keeping to themselves.
Beyond this, arts & crafts sessions are a great, inexpensive way to spend time together!
4. Do Something Sporty.
Various studies have found that participating in sporting activities can also help children cope with the stressors of a divorce. For example, if they’re part of a local or school team, their practices allow them to get out of the house and away from the stress. They’re also surrounded by teammates who will support them when things get tough.
However, participating in sporting activities together can also be beneficial. For example, it allows everyone to release any pent-up energy and emotions. Also, it shows that you can still have a lot of fun together in the face of significant lifestyle changes.
5. Put them in Charge Of The Day.
During the divorce process, it’s normal for children to feel overwhelmed by changes they have no control over. As a result, putting them in charge and letting them plan a day out or activity for the family can help them regain a sense of control. Beyond this, it’s a simple way to put a smile on their face!
Final Thoughts.
In short, it is possible and perhaps especially important to celebrate Family Fun Month when going through a divorce – as a change in your marital status does not change the fact that you are a family who loves and cares for each other!
At Divorce With Dignity, we make the divorce process easier for everyone involved by ensuring that yourself and your partner can part ways peacefully and respectfully. If you’d like to learn more, please do not hesitate to get in touch today.
