It used to be said that children were resilient, and they could recover easily from divorce. We now know this is not true. Recent studies suggest that children may experience a host of problems both during and after divorce, from emotional, behavioral and mental health problems, to maladjustment and developmental issues. Thankfully, parents can mitigate against such problems. The following information explains how.

Strive for a Child-Centered Divorce

When your marriage is failing, and you know divorce is the next step, you may stop to consider how your children will respond. If you determine that they simply cannot handle growing up in a broken home – perhaps because of a disability, a sensitive demeanor, or a rough upbringing – you may be tempted to put off the inevitable. Are you really doing your children a favor though, or are you doing more harm than good? The answer may rest in the underlying issues of your marriage. Learn more with help from the following information.

Domestic Violence and Children

Years of study, observation, and information have shown that children may be at risk for mental and emotional issues if their parents go through a divorce. Now, more recent information is suggesting that the negative effect is more a product of a contentious divorce, and not just a divorce itself. A new study backs this recent revelation; it suggests that bitter divorce could negatively impact a child’s immune system, perhaps for the rest of their lives. Thankfully, there are ways that parents can reduce this risk. The following information explains how.

Contentious Divorce versus Amicable Divorce

Ending a marriage can be painful and emotionally difficult. In fact, many parties experience depression, anxiety, grief, anger, and stress while going through the divorce process. Unfortunately, these same emotions can cause friction between the parties, which can drag out the process and increase costs. Thankfully, some steps can be taken to minimize the risk of this happening. One of the most crucial steps is learning how to detach the legal aspects of divorce from the emotional aspects. 

Approach Divorce Like a Business Transaction

At one time, fathers lacked fairness in family court. Mothers were considered the nurturers, and thereby more critical for child development. Then studies started showing that the absence of fathers negatively impacted children. Now studies are showing that dads are not only important to development - they are equally important as mothers. Further, a recent study has indicated that a 50/50 parenting time plan is the most beneficial for children. The following explains how you can make this arrangement work for your family.

Remember Your Child Still Loves Both of You