Teachers can help kids going through divorce
Divorce can be particularly hard for children to deal with and often they’ll need someone other than their parents to help them through it. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted just how wonderful our teachers are and a caring, understanding teacher can be key to helping a child cope as they go through a divorce.
Children’s social and emotional wellbeing and learning can be affected for years to come if their parents split, and for adults dealing with their own emotions it can be tough for them to adequately support their children.
This is where a great teacher can help.
Firstly as a parent, it’s important that you communicate with your child’s school and let them know what’s going on at home. This could be a quick chat with the teacher at drop off, or a meeting with the school principal, welfare officer, or counsellor.
Teachers, you’re in an ideal position to provide support to your students when needed.
Teachers can:
- Have conversations with children, asking if they are OK, being a good listener, letting children talk, and providing reassurance.
- Arranging one-on-one time with a teacher aide to provide emotional support or to help them settle into the day.
- Being available for children and parents to speak to.
- Creating a safe, friendly environment where children feel free to talk.
- Developing friendships with children and families, so they can feel safe and secure to talk to them.
- Communicating with parents about how their child is going emotionally, socially and academically at school.
- Referring children to the student welfare co-ordinator when necessary for additional support.
- Being consistent with school routines, rules and expectations.
- Making sure the child is included in supportive friendship groups, both in the classroom and playground.
- Having flexible expectations with the child’s school work.
- Providing encouragement for children to make good decisions and to manage their own behaviour..
Studies have shown children feel secure when their daycare and school environment is friendly, structured and predictable. And most teachers believe that when children feel safe and secure, they can learn.
If you’re looking for advice on separation, divorce, or any other issue relating to family law, contact Michael Lynch Family Law today on: (07) 3221 4300 or email [email protected] Our family law experts are here to help you through this time.
