Educators and Children of Divorce
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by: CarolCavanaugh
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Word Count: 402
The biggest challenge of divorce is dealing with the impact it has on the children involved. Many times children are affected by some of the events leading up to their parents' separation, but most have a much more difficult time coping once the divorce is final and living arrangements and family structure change.
As that change unfolds, adults in the child's life become extremely important as sources of support, love, understanding, and sharing. Of those adults, those most commonly associated with children on a routine basis are teachers and teacher associates in the school setting. This short article provides some guidance and information for educators working with children from divorced families.
Educators should watch for changes in the behavior of children as they adjust to the changes at home. Many teachers have become more concerned with testing and benchmarking as a result of the No Child Left Behind Act. This has taken some of their attention away from the less obvious needs of their students.
Secondly, educators should familiarize themselves with community programs and assistance that are available for children of divorced parents. These can include programs for the parents themselves and financial aid for expenses such as child care.
Thirdly, educators should work with school administration to support the addition of social workers and school counselors who provide intervention and support for children experiencing the family trauma of divorce. Since children the majority of each weekday at school, this is the natural location for behavioral health services and related social supports.
It may be most important for educators to make sure they take the time to listen to the concerns of the single parent in parent-teacher meetings and wherever personal contact is made. This is a valuable opportunity for the parent to express their frustrations, to compare the behavior of the child at school and at home, and find common ground with the educator when it comes to meeting the child's needs.
When a child experiences abrupt changes that are not dealt with early on, they can lead to emotional problems that can have a very long lasting effect. Educators are in a position to intervene and give support at the earliest and most critical stage of the process when the divorced family needs the most help. Paying attention to changes in the child's behavior and opening communication with the family are important aspects of being an educator in the 21st century.
About the Author
The hunt for a divorce attorney in Austin is much faster when you visit www.AustinDivorceHelp.com. Learn how divorce can be different by reading about collaborative law in Austin and how it's changing the way that divorce is done.
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