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How do I help kids move on from the family home?

On Behalf of | Apr 29, 2022 | Family Law |

When parents divorce, their primary concern, usually, is their kids. And, while issues of child custody and visitation rights are top-of-mind, so too is the emotional and physical transition of the children and their move from the family home.

The move from the family home

One thing that some parents do not think about is that the family home will likely be lost as part of the divorce. As most families’ biggest asset, there normally is no way to maintain it, along with two other homes. This is why, in most divorce cases, the family home is sold, and then the proceeds are split. However, it is possible to keep the family home through a process known as nesting. This is where the children stay in the family home but the parents move in and out. They then can share another apartment that they use when the other is at the family home or maintain separate properties. However, this is only possible for high-asset divorces and divorcees who get along well, which is not the case for most Los Angeles, California, divorcing couples.

Preparation and open dialog

For those families transitioning their children out of the family home, be honest about it. Have an open dialog with the children, allow them to ask questions and answer them honestly. Give them a sense of understanding of what is happening to lessen potential trauma.

Bring a sense of home

Create a special place in both of the new homes that are just for the child. This is preferably a bedroom for each kid, but that is not always practical in Los Angeles, California. Devoting a closet, corner or some other space to the child will give them a sense of ownership and place they had at the family home. If possible, bring something from the home to add to this space to act as a bridge between the two new homes and the last family home.

Make them part of the process

The more parents can involve their kids in the buying, renting and decorating process, the better. This too will help give children a sense of control over the upheaval, and then help create a sense of home when the family eventually moves in. After all, they helped pick out their new Los Angeles, California, home.