{"id":58799,"date":"2019-03-25T10:36:45","date_gmt":"2019-03-25T10:36:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/divorce\/dealing-with-angry-child-after-divorce\/"},"modified":"2025-12-01T06:21:50","modified_gmt":"2025-12-01T06:21:50","slug":"dealing-with-angry-child-after-divorce","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/divorce\/dealing-with-angry-child-after-divorce\/","title":{"rendered":"8 Tips on How to Deal with an Angry Child After Divorce"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

\"Children<\/p>\n

Children are the most innocent victims in any divorce, and the feeling of abandonment can create an angry child. <\/span><\/i><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

After all, the divorce turned your child’s world upside down, and no one asked the child if a divorce would be okay. In a child’s mind,  <\/span>marital separation<\/span><\/a> means that a parent will go away. The betrayal can be subtle, but there can be a lasting effect if you do not watch for the signs and be wise.<\/span><\/p>\n

Here are a few helpful tips to teach you how to deal with an angry child.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/span>1. Don’t lie to your child, but use honesty wisely<\/span><\/h2>\n

\"Never<\/p>\n

There is no point in trying to convince your child that “Daddy is out of town.” The child knows more than you think. Remember, your children live in your house, where all the pain, strife, and fights have been going on. <\/span><\/p>\n

Instead of telling white lies, say honestly, “Dad and I are having a hard time, so he went away to think. Still, he will take care of you and always be around when you need him to be.<\/span><\/p>\n

Dr. Jennifer Schulz<\/a>, PhD in Psychology, states, <\/span><\/p>\n

Children need to know that they will still be cared for, and they can handle honesty, as long as it’s developmentally appropriate. <\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Never use your child as a weapon of any kind. Even the most subtle forms of putting down the parent who has moved out of the house are nothing but abuse. Reassure the child that both of you will do everything you can to make sure the child never does without.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/span>2. Don’t assume your child is fine<\/span><\/h2>\n

Watch for the signs. Anger is acceptable and even needed. The child needs to know and believe that he or she has the right to be angry. You will need to allow more outbursts than in normal times, but watch out for the other danger signs. <\/span><\/p>\n

If the child begins to act out violently, step in immediately. Children need consistency, so enforce your rules.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/span>3. Don’t buy into the manipulation game<\/span><\/h2>\n

Kids are pretty smart and will use any trick in the book to get their way. They will note very quickly how easily you give in when they lay a guilt trip on you. <\/span><\/p>\n

Do not be fooled. Instant permissiveness sends this clue: “Dad and I are getting divorced, so I’ll let you do what you want to do.”<\/span><\/p>\n

Also watch:<\/strong> 7 Most Common Reasons for Divorce<\/span><\/p>\n