Jon and Kate Gosselin: Do You Have Divorce Tips for Them?

Jon and Kate Gosselin’s divorce is in the headlines daily and  I cringe when I see a new story about the couple.  After surviving a divorce, I feel for the Gosselins, especially single mama Kate.

The first year of a divorce is an emotional roller coaster, I can’t imagine going through it with the tabloids watching every move.

Jon Gosselin is having a meltdown on an epic scale.  He parties like it’s 1999…and dates college age girls.   Jon’s even hosting a pool party in Las Vegas in August to promote Ed Hardy.  Radar reports that TLC is not pleased with Jon.

TLC is extremely unhappy with their Ed Hardy-loving star, sources tell RadarOnline.com exclusively. One result of that unhappiness is that the network has made a decision to blur any brand logos that Jon wears on the show.

Kate Gosselin has done a better job of taking the high road, but arguing with Jon and calling the police is so hard on the kids.  Last week, Kate was on the Today show and even got marriage advice from Regis. 

Advice for Jon and Kate?

I have a few choice words for Jon and some advice from my divorce for Kate.  Here’s what I would tell Kate about how to divorce with dignity:

• Divorce is hell, even if it’s the right thing to do. It’s hard to keep emotions in check but you need to shield your kids from the drama.

• Even if your ex deserves your anger, you have to put on a game face in front of your kids. The negative impact on your kids isn’t worth the moment of satisfaction you’ll feel after telling your ex off.  Not screaming at your ex is the hardest thing to do right now but it’s the most important thing to remember.

• The bottom line is this: If your ex is a jerk, the kids will figure it out for themselves. Children are smart.

• Finally, you need to let go of some things in your life right now, cut yourself a little slack.  For example, national TV interviews are stressful, why not postpone the media visits until things calm down a little?  You can’t do it all, especially right now.

I make no secret that I am usually on the side of the single moms.  I know there are two sides to every story but there are too many men who leave their family behind after a divorce.  I have some words (and a kick in the rear) for Jon Gosselin:

• Your ex is the mother of your eight children. You may not like her right now, but don’t disrespect her.  Especially in front of the media.  Bashing Kate in the press is bad for your kids because they will see what you said and it will hurt them.

• Sleeping with the babysitter is not cool. It’s bad parenting to hire someone to watch the kids…and then have sex with your employee.  You are playing with fire.

• Hot, young chicks don’t flock to guys who are unemployed.  There is talk that TLC may give you the boot. Stop acting like a Phi Delt on spring break!

• If you want to cut down on the bad press you are getting, quit hanging out with the paparazzi!   Hosting pool parties in Vegas isn’t exactly low profile for a father with eight children.  Seriously, think about it.

• Finally, I don’t claim to know about your marriage. You want to live it up?  You can do that without acting in ways you’ll regret later.  Think of your children.  All eight of them.

Now it’s your turn.  What would you tell Jon and Kate Gosselin about how to cope with the stress of divorce?  I know the Gosselins inspire strong emotions but anyone can see that both Jon and Kate are hurting.  Be kind.

Dish up your best tips for divorcing with dignity.  Talk to me!