Protecting Your Child’s Emotional Health During Separation or Divorce
by Maria Natapov, BeH2O® Certified Co-Parenting & Stepparenting Coach
Separation and divorce change everything for the adults, and especially for the children. While the legal system focuses on custody and finances, what often gets overlooked is a child’s emotional health. And yet, it’s their sense of safety, connection, and stability that shapes how they adjust now and thrive later.
This is where the BeH2O® approach comes in. BeH2O® isn’t therapy and it’s not mediation, it’s a child-centered, values-guided coaching framework that equips parents to reduce conflict, communicate effectively, and create the kind of environment children need to feel secure, even in the midst of change.
One of the first things we work on is deepening a parent’s understanding of their child’s experience and how their own stress responses can unintentionally undermine their goals. For example, a parent who values “consistency” may call or text repeatedly when the child is at the other parent’s house, trying to stay connected. But from the child’s point of view, this can feel like pressure to split attention, creating stress instead of comfort. In BeH2O®, we use frameworks like the CLEAR Communication Model to help parents check their intentions against the impact on their child’s sense of security.
We also address one of the hardest truths: sometimes, without realizing it, parents contribute to parent–child alienation. Imagine a parent venting frustration by saying, “Your father never remembers your school projects,” in front of the child. Even if it’s true, the child may feel caught between loyalty and love for both parents and may start pulling away from one to protect the other. BeH2O® equips parents with tools like The B.A.L.A.N.C.E. Framework to process big emotions in healthy ways so they can model respect, even in conflict.
These tools are not about being perfect, they’re about showing up in ways that help children feel safe, valued, and free to love both parents. We focus on creating predictable routines, clear boundaries, and purposeful decision-making rooted in shared values, so kids have the stability they need to grow and adapt.
When parents lead with cooperation instead of conflict, they give their children the priceless gift of emotional security. Even in the midst of divorce, it is possible to protect their sense of home, belonging, and trust.
If you’re navigating separation or divorce and want to safeguard your child’s heart while finding your own steadiness, I’d be honored to support you. Reach out to explore whether BeH2O® might be the right fit for your family.
Maria Natapov,
BeH2O Certified Co-Parenting and Stepparenting Coach
www.SynergisticStepparenting.com
Maria@SynergisticStepparenting.com
(617) 419-0878