Joint Custody After Divorce:
How to Cope with Missing Your Children
Divorce can be very painful sometimes. After all, you are separating from someone you decided to spend the rest of your life with. However, according to studies, around 60% of divorcing couples also have children. This means that the children will end up with one parent or in joint custody.
Going for joint custody ensures that you get to see your children regularly – but there may be times when you are separated from your kids, causing you to miss them. When times are tough, here are a few ways to cope.
1. Keep a Good Relationship with Your Ex
Depending on the reason why you got divorced, you may want nothing to do with your ex-spouse – but for your children, you should try to get along with them.
For example, child custody cases in Nevada can be quite complex and conflict may easily lead to loss of custody. This is why every Las Vegas family attorney recommends staying on friendly terms – even going to a mediator together if necessary. This will lead to fewer conflicts, allowing you to spend as much time with your children as possible.
2. Keep Yourself Busy
We know, you miss your children – but while it may feel tiresome to be busy all the time, it’s a good way to keep your mind off your little angels. With that in mind, don’t simply drown yourself in work.
Choose some positive activities, such as going out for a jog, as physical activity is good for managing loneliness. Or maybe watch those movies or TV series that you have been putting off for so long. Who knows, maybe you find some hobbies that you can also enjoy with your children.
3. Plan Your Days with Them
Perhaps one of the best ways to cope with missing your children is to plan for the next time you get to see them again. Plan some fun activities, or if you still get along with your date, get the family together on a co-parent date. Remember, regardless of the activity, the other parent needs to be okay with it as well.
You may want to organize your time beforehand. You get limited time with your children, so you don’t want to be stuck the rest of the day doing chores or going to work. Not only will they feel lonely or bored while waiting on you, but you will also miss them even more once they go back to your ex. You should clear your schedule as much as you can so that you can enjoy your time with your little angels.
4. Arrange Regular Phone Calls
We live in a time when our loved ones are just one video call away. You don’t have to wait until the next time you physically see them in front of you. If they have their own phones, you may simply pick up your phone and call them in the evening, or snap a random picture of something you believe they like.
You can also arrange for a specific day when you call each other and leisurely talk for a longer time. For example, this can be on a Sunday or any day when you don’t have them, during which time they can also talk. Just make sure that you arrange these calls at the right moments, as the use of technology at the wrong times can significantly affect your health.
5. Surround Yourself with Friends
As you are missing your children, you may want to withdraw into your own cocoon and simply wait until the next moment you can see them. While it may not completely erase your loneliness, spending quality time with your friends can compensate for the emptiness and the loneliness that you are feeling.
Whether you choose your friends, your family, or your colleagues to spend time with, be certain that you keep an active social life. Set up “Bowling Thursday,” or “Ladies Friday Night,” whatever your preferences are. A routine is good here as well, but you can also be open to opportunities. Allow your social activities to keep your mind busy until the next time you see your little ones.
The Bottom Line
Being away from your kids will never be easy, especially when you are used to being constantly around them. However, there are still ways for you to cope with that loneliness. And remember, when you do have your children with you, make the most out of your time with them.