Life after divorce can be difficult. If you’ve got children, the transition from being part of a couple raising them under the same roof to being a single parent is big.
You might be the children’s primary carer, share their time equally with your ex-partner, or share their quality time on weekends and holidays. Whatever the arrangement, it can take a while to adjust to a separation.
Rest assured, you’re not alone. Approximately 14.9% of UK families consist of single parents.
Here we’re looking at some things you can do to help you on your single-parenting journey and why it’s vital to keep an expert legal team in your corner.
Take time for yourself
As important as it is to take care of your children’s well-being, you can’t provide emotional support if you’re running on empty. You’ve been through a challenging time, and it might take a while to recover.
It can be easy to get caught up in all the ‘to-do’ lists and chores, feeling like you’re constantly trying to juggle responsibilities. It’s okay to take a break. Whether it’s something as simple as going for a walk or watching your favourite TV programmes, incorporating some ‘you’ time into your routine will help you to recharge.
Don’t feel guilty about accepting help or utilising childcare options such as holiday and after school clubs. Even just a few hours to yourself can make a huge difference.
Plan some fun family time
Family life as you and your children have known it is changing. It’s completely normal to experience feelings of loss and guilt.
Spending quality time with your children is the best way to bring your household together. Not only will you create new memories, but you’ll build your confidence as a single parent and find your way of doing things.
Planning a great day out doesn’t have to be overly complicated. If you live in Harrogate, for instance, there are many simple things to do together as a family. This half term, the Pinewoods have a family fun trail as part of the Harrogate International Festival.
Rebuild your support network
It’s not uncommon for relationships with friends and family to change following your divorce. Some may side with your ex-spouse, and others may just distance themselves to avoid conflict. These changes can be complicated if they impact your children’s friendships or if you’ve had to move house.
Spend time with the people who have been there for you when you’ve needed them the most, but don’t be afraid to make new connections.
You might find fellow single parents at playgroups or baby classes if you have younger children. With older children, there are plenty of extra-curricular activities that can link you up with new friends.
Know where to turn if you need legal advice
As you move forward with your life after divorce, there may still be bumps in the road. Whether you agreed on arrangements for the children or whether they were specified in a court order, there may be times when things don’t go according to plan.
Tricky situations can arise, such as Christmas and the summer holidays, for example. It might be that your ex doesn’t stick to the arrangement or that the same plan no longer works as your children get older.
Having an expert legal team that you know you can rely on is a must and makes meeting any problems head-on easier. It’s best to deal with any issues sooner rather than later.
When it comes to supporting you, at Harrogate Family Law, we’re here for your entire legal journey. Let us know how we can help you.
