Major life changes, like divorce, effect every child and every family differently.  At the same time, though, there are some common effects of divorce that you should be aware of, because it's your help and intervention that will make the difference in your child's ability to cope.

Children of Different Ages
In addition, it's important to be aware that children of different ages display stress in different ways.  For example, a toddler may show signs of regression, while a teenager may have difficulty concentrating on school work.  Knowing where your child is at developmentally can help you differentiate between a sign that your child needs your intervention and a sign that your child is simply going through a "phase" related to his or her emotional and physical development.

Recognize Red Flags
Don't be afraid to seek help, and never ignore red flags suggesting more serious issues, such as: becoming violently aggressive, self-medicating with alcohol or drugs, cutting, or expressing suicidal thoughts. Any concerns you have should be shared immediately with your child's doctor or therapist.

Take Action
For more information, read Recognize Effects of Divorce in Your Child, which includes specific action steps you can take to help your kids through every stage of child development:

• Effects of Divorce in Infants and Toddlers
• Effects of Divorce in Preschoolers
• Effects of Divorce in School Age Children
• Effects of Divorce in Tweens and Teens

Stay Connected on: Facebook | Twitter

Have you found a single parent support group in your area? Add it to our free state-by-state directory of single parent support groups.

And if becoming involved in a support group is something you've always wanted to try, but just haven't gotten around to yet, set a goal for yourself to find one this year.  It's a great way to meet other single parents, get out and enjoy some kid-friendly activities, and build a support network around yourself and your children.

Related:

• How to Choose a Single Parent Support Group
• Start Your Own Single Parent Support Group
• Activities for Single Parent Support Groups
• Find a Speaker for Your Single Parent Support Group

_{Photo © Christopher Futcher, 2010}

Stay Connected on: Facebook | Twitter

There are two phases to the Readers' Choice Awards: the nomination phase and the voting phase. During the nomination phase -- which takes place from today through February 15, 2012 -- you'll be able to nominate your favorite individuals, organizations, and resources in the following categories:

• Favorite Organization Supporting Single Parents
• Best Children's Book for Single Parent Families
• Best Online Communication Tool for Co-Parents
• Favorite Family Law Blog

Then, during the voting phase, you'll have the opportunity to vote for the nominees who received the most nominations for their category.

Readers' Choice Awards F.A.Q.

1. Can I nominate my own book, website, or organization?
   Sure! The whole purpose is to help our readers find excellent resources. Any way you can help us do that serves the cause.
2. Why do I have to sign in with my Facebook or About.com account?
   This security step was implemented to decrease the number of computer-generated nominations. If you use your Facebook account, don't forget to click the button at the bottom of the submission to automatically let your friends know that you participated. It will help spread the word and generate more nominations -- which means more resources and connections being shared among our readers.
3. When will the winners be announced?
   Voting will take place between February 22 and March 21, 2012, and winners will be announced on March 30, 2012.

Stay Connected on: Facebook | Twitter

Have you ever heard of the saying, "Quality time happens in the midst of quantity time?" It's true. And yet it feels at times like even quantity time is hard to come by, between work, school, and other obligations.

The good news, though, is that there really are thousands of ways to connect with your kids in the midst of your daily routines. For example, use commuting time--on the way to day care or school--to ask open-ended questions about what's happening in your child's life, or throw around some ideas for what you'd like to do over the weekend while you make dinner together. Or turn off the TV for half an hour and play a family board game.

When you look for them, the opportunities are there. They may never feel like "enough," but if you start by claiming the everyday moments you have access to, additional opportunities for authentic, meaningful quality time will begin to appear.

More: Discover Pockets of Quality Time in Your Everyday Routine

_{Photo © Andersen Ross / Getty Images}

Stay Connected on: Facebook | Twitter