CO-PARENTING MADE SIMPLE
TIPS TO HELP KIDS ADJUST TO 2 HOMES
Divorce doesn’t just change life for parents; it changes life for kids in ways that are sometimes hard to see at first. Suddenly, the idea of “home” becomes two homes, with two sets of rules, routines, and maybe even bedrooms. For children, this shift can feel unsettling. The good news is that with patience, planning, and a lot of love, parents can help their kids adjust and even thrive in this new chapter. CONSISTENCY IS KEY. Kids crave structure. When parents can align on bedtimes, homework expectations, and even simple household rules, children feel more secure. No two homes will be identical, and that’s okay, but a sense of predictability goes a long way in reducing stress. If your child knows what to expect at both Mom’s house and Dad’s house, the back- and-forth transition becomes smoother. CREATE COMFORT IN BOTH SPACES. A child should never feel like a guest in either parent’s home. Make sure they have their own space, even if it’s just a corner of a room with
familiar blankets, books, or toys. These small touches remind them they belong in both places. Letting kids choose some decorations or keep a few favorite items in each home gives them a sense of control in a situation where much feels out of their hands.
more than you talk, and reassure them their feelings are normal. Younger children may act out instead of talking, while older kids may withdraw. Both are coping mechanisms. Gentle patience and open dialogue help them process the changes. AVOID A TUG-OF-WAR. One of the toughest but most important things divorced parents can do is shield children from conflict. Speaking negatively about the other parent or making kids feel like they have to choose sides puts enormous pressure on them. Instead, remind your child that both parents love them and that it’s okay to love both parents back. Finally, remember that adjusting to two homes is a process, not an overnight shift. Some days will be easier than others. What matters most is that your child feels loved, supported, and understood in both places. Divorce may have changed the shape of your family, but it doesn’t have to change its foundation — your child’s sense of safety, love, and belonging.
KEEP COMMUNICATION OPEN. Divorce can stir up big feelings: sadness, confusion, anger. Encourage your child to share what’s on their mind without judgment. Listen
Desk Job? Don’t Settle Healthy Habits to Fight Deskbound Blues
DESIGN YOUR SPACE Creating a pleasing, well-organized workspace can help motivate you to stick to healthy habits. Use colors and materials that feel inviting and comfortable. Choose desk items and organizing tools that help you keep your work surface tidy and clear. Add plants, decorative objects, or wall art that inspires or uplifts you, and display objects that spark pleasant thoughts, such as family photos. Use natural light whenever possible, or a full- spectrum light that is close to daylight. Taken together, these subtle changes can help you maintain your health and well-being, without missing a beat at work!
Staying healthy and fit can be a challenge when your job requires you to sit at a desk most of the time. A growing share of Americans spend their workdays at a computer, and as many as 70% of them eventually develop neck, back, or shoulder pain or problems with obesity. Research shows that embracing healthy habits can help you avoid those harmful effects. Here are a few to try. MASTER ERGONOMICS Following good ergonomic practices can prevent neck and shoulder pain. Choose a chair that provides lumbar support. Adjust the height of your chair and monitor until you can sit in a relaxed, erect posture with your feet flat on the floor and the top of your monitor slightly below eye level. Notice when your gaze
drifts downward and your shoulders become rounded, and correct your posture by lifting the top of your head toward the ceiling. Adjust your keyboard so your wrists are level and relaxed when typing to allay wrist and arm strain. GET UP AND STRETCH Break away from your desk and walk around for a few minutes every hour, if possible. Do gentle stretches to relax your back and neck. Loosen your upper back muscles by bending your chin toward your chest and rolling it gently from side to side. Relax your neck by holding your hands behind your head with fingers intertwined and pushing back gently against your fingers. Stretch one arm over your head, lean to the opposite side, then switch arms and repeat.
2
Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator