- Stress the importance of having a supportive family environment for children’s development, as it can positively affect their social skills, mental and physical health, and educational attainment.
- High levels of parental conflict during divorce can lead to adverse outcomes such as mental health challenges, risk-taking behaviors, and academic difficulties.
- Parents should make an effort to minimize conflict during the process and use professional mediators/counselors if needed. They should also openly communicate with their children about what’s happening in an age-appropriate manner.
- Creating routines and establishing boundaries while finalizing child custody, visitation rights, and financial support is essential. Furthermore, parents must decide when and how to introduce their children to new partners.
Family is an integral part of children’s lives, providing a foundation of love, security, and support for them to grow. Research has shown that having a supportive family environment can have long-term positive effects on a child’s development. Studies have linked strong family relationships with better social skills, resilience in adversity, healthier self-esteem, better mental and physical health, and higher educational attainment.
Statistics show that children in highly supportive families do better academically at school than those who don’t experience close family bonds. A study published by the American Psychological Association found that “students with more supportive home environments earned higher grade point averages than those whose homes were less supportive.” Another study revealed that two-parent households boost learning performance more than one-parent households. The same study found that students from two-parent homes generally received higher scores on achievement tests when compared to students from single-parent families.
Unfortunately, you and your partner might be on the verge of divorce, which can significantly affect your children. Both parents should do whatever they can to protect their kids’ well-being during this challenging period, and these tips can help.
Make it as Peaceful as Possible
Making a divorce as peaceful as possible can help make it easier for children to transition and adjust to the new family dynamic. Parents need to take steps to minimize conflict during the process since studies have shown that high levels of parental conflict can lead to adverse outcomes for children.
One study from the University of Cambridge found that high levels of parental conflict during divorce can cause kids to experience more mental health challenges, risk-taking behaviors, and academic difficulties.
Parents should focus on staying aware of their own emotions and managing them healthily instead of taking out their anger on each other or the kids. If necessary, both parties should consider speaking with a professional mediator or counselor who works with divorcing families. This can provide a safe space for both parents to express their grievances and find productive solutions for dealing with tension during the divorce proceedings.
In addition, parents should openly communicate with their children about what’s happening in an age-appropriate manner. They should try to reassure them that both parents love them and will continue to be involved in their lives even though they are no longer together. A study by researchers at Brigham Young University found that when children had access to open communication channels with both parents during divorce proceedings, they experienced better overall well-being than those who did not.
Talk to Children About It
Divorce can be a confusing and challenging experience for children to process, especially if they’re very young. As such, it’s essential to talk to them about the divorce and provide support as they transition.
Parents should try to answer any questions their children might have honestly and openly while avoiding too many details that could overwhelm them. If necessary, parents should consider speaking with a professional counselor who provides services for kids going through family changes like divorce. This can help ensure that children have someone impartial and trustworthy to talk to about their feelings during this time.
Create Routines and Establish Boundaries
It’s essential for parents who are divorcing or separating to create routines for their children to help them adjust and cope with the changes. There will be many responsibilities, but parents should remember to be flexible and open-minded when creating these routines. Here are a few examples both sides of the divorcing party must know:
Finalizing Child Custody
Identifying where the kid lives and grows up is integral to the divorce. Parents should decide which parent will be the primary custodian and how often the other parent gets to see the child. It’s essential to ensure that both parents have equal rights in custody decisions, as they are equally responsible for raising their children.
Designating Visitation Rights
It’s also essential to determine when and where visitation rights will occur with both sides of the divorcing party. Parents should agree on a schedule that works best for them and meets their child’s needs. They should also consider setting ground rules for visits to help make sure everyone is on the same page regarding expectations for behavior.
Establishing Financial Support
Divorce can be expensive, and parents should decide how much financial support each parent will provide for the child. They should also agree on who will pay for certain expenses such as health care, daycare, school tuition, extracurricular activities, and summer camps.
Introducing New Partners
If either parent is in a committed relationship with someone else, they should decide when and how to introduce the children to their new partner. Both parents must be on the same page regarding this process since introducing children to a new partner too soon can confuse them.
However, ensuring that both parties agree to this setup can be challenging. Fortunately, you can hire a reliable family law attorney to help establish a fair and healthy parenting agreement. An experienced lawyer can help ensure you get the best outcome for yourself and your children during this trying time.
Final Thoughts
Making sure both sides of the divorcing party know these tips will help ensure that the transition is as smooth and supportive as possible for everyone involved, especially their children. Divorce is never easy, but by minimizing conflict, open communication, and creating a loving atmosphere, parents can make it easier on their kids during this difficult time.
