Divorce means upheaval.  If you are the father who had to move out, in order to let your children continue to live in their home, then you need to find a new place to live, closer to your previous home which will help you play an active role in your kids’ lives. Once you find a place, you then have to ensure that it is kid-friendly so that your children can be safe when they come over for weekend visits and holidays.

Children need stability

Young children need stability; so try to find a place as close to them as possible. This way you can visit them as much as your ex-wife is comfortable with, and your children will be secure in the knowledge that you care. You can continue to help around the house, babysit when possible and stay connected to your kids, as is your right as their dad.

• When setting up your new place, consult your children on their favorite colors and ideas for decorations.
• If they have wanted a pet, but your ex-wife was allergic, then you will become a Super Dad if you find a place that allows pets.
• Incorporate their favorite characters and interests in the décor of their rooms.
• Make sure that the new place is child-proofed, if necessary. Place delicate and brittle items out of their reach.
• Be sure to pick up food that they like to eat, while also ensuring that it is healthy. Allowing them to eat junk-food in order to be a cool dad can backfire.
• Place storage boxes in easily reachable areas and encourage them to put away their stuff after use, thereby reducing clutter and chances of skidding or tripping.

How to make your place kid-friendly?

When setting up a new home as a divorced dad, ensure that your children will be safe when they come for a visit. Check out your neighbors. If you’re like most newly divorced dads, you will have to start over from scratch; this means buying everything you will need for a home, while also paying alimony and child support. If you’re able to get some of your old stuff out of storage, you can save some money; if not, you will have a significant initial outlay. While child-proofing your new home, get plastic utensils for their use. Place the items that your children are likely to use in easily reachable areas, like on the lower shelves of the pantry, kitchen and fridge. This will help them to fend for themselves when they want a snack, and also help them feel at home in your new place.

Make sure your home feels like a place they can relax in; a leather sofa and a bachelor-pad vibe might put them off. A place with pristine white walls, a cream colored carpet or off-white curtains might let the light in and look airy, but is definitely not child friendly. To make the new place appealing to your children go for vibrant colors, durable furniture and washable walls. This will help your kids feel at home, which is crucial when they come to you for holidays and weekend visits. It is your first priority to help your children feel-at-home when they come to visit, as per your custody agreement reached during the divorce.

We at Kenny Leigh & Associates know how hard it can be as a man, especially a father facing divorce and the loss of custody of your children, as most often, the courts favor the mother. We work tirelessly to redress the balance and help men get their fair share during the divorce process. If you are a man thinking of divorce contact us or walk into any of our five locations across Florida – Daytona Beach, Jacksonville, Gainesville, Fleming Island and Boca Raton. Call us for a consultation today.

By Kenny Leigh