Before the separation or divorce, you and your children knew what to expect of daily life. The changes in lifestyle brought on by the separation or divorce will happen quickly. However, it will take a lot longer for the new way of life to feel normal. On average, it takes between one and two years for children to adapt to their new situation. Try to be thoughtful and reasonably cautious when introducing new partners to the children.

Your parenting skills and focus on your children’s well-being over the next few years will help them to eventually adapt and prosper. There will be progress and setbacks, but in time your family will once again have that sense of safety that comes from predictable, normal routines.