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When children learn about their parents going through a divorce or separation, it is natural for them to feel upset. The thought of it can feel really overwhelming, especially since children often have little to no control over how the changes will affect their lives. Being aware that your child may exhibit a range of common responses to divorce or separation is the first step to keeping an eye on them and supporting them through the process.

Changes in the family structure, like divorce and separation, can be destabilizing for all members of the family unit. Going through a divorce or separation is stressful for adults and is even further complicated when there are children in the picture. It is hard to know how best to communicate the changes coming for your daily life and relationships within the family when approaching a divorce, and the reality is that children and teens are likely to find this information upsetting regardless of how it is delivered.

Sleep presents different difficulties at each stage of life, but there are many common challenges within age groups, because of both biological and environmental influences.

Sleep is a lifelong necessity, but every stage of childhood brings new sleep challenges for parents to manage. Young children may put up fights about going to bed but also will struggle with their moods when they miss nap time, and teens might have difficulty getting enough rest with the influence of social lives, homework responsibilities, and technology. Ensuring that your kids, and you, get good sleep and sleep enough, is a moving target throughout life. But through the changing needs and obstacles, it remains true that sleep provides an important foundation for cognitive, emotional, and physical well-being and growth.

The Center for Effective Therapy specializes in providing evidence-based treatment for children, teens, and young adults spanning from ages 2-22 with a range of mental health disorders, from anxiety, depression, and trauma to behavioral difficulties. Often, treatment involves parents and caregivers to support the family system and provide mental health assistance as a collaborative team.