Every parent hopes to minimize the adverse effect of a divorce on their child. Moms and dads want their children to feel safe and loved, especially during difficult times.
Thus, during a divorce, parents would be wise to take steps that can protect children and make things easier for them.
- Keep things civil. Divorce can be a contentious process, especially when parties wind up battling in court. However, when parents are respectful and commit to resolving divorce-related issues peacefully outside of court, they make the experience easier for everyone. Further, refraining from fighting in front of the children can shield them from witnessing parental conflict.
- Prioritize a child’s best interests. No matter how you might feel about your ex, remember they are still your child’s parent. And even if they were not a good partner, they can be a positive, loving part of your child’s life. Preserving these relationships with a shared parenting agreement can be critical in helping a child recover and adjust to a divorce.
- Stay off social media. People don’t always realize that the things they say and do online do not disappear when they press delete or close down an app. Thus, it can be easy for children to see or read hurtful things their parents have said on Facebook or other social media sites. Further, false or vindictive statements could make a parent seem volatile or untrustworthy to children, courts and others.
- Work with professionals. Most parents would tell their children to ask for help if they need it; they would say that they don’t have to know everything about everything. Divorcing parents would be wise to follow this guidance themselves and consult professionals to navigate a divorce. Attorneys can address legal matters; custody counselors can help parents understand a child’s needs; accountants can make it easier to understand post-divorce finances. These parties can alleviate parents’ stress and enable them to secure fair outcomes.
Divorce can and will take a toll on children. However, as parents, you can utilize these tips to make the experience easier for them – and you.
