Witnessing verbal sparring and heated arguments can be stressful for children, especially in a divorce situation.
When parents decide to end their marriage, they naturally worry how their divorce will affect their children. They might even have bad memories of their own parents’ divorce, which can make them reluctant to move forward with the divorce process.
However, research shows that children thrive more in a divorce situation than they do in unhappy households filled with bickering parents and high levels of conflict. If you and your spouse are unable to work it out, it may be better for your children if you and your spouse go your separate ways rather than try to stay aboard a sinking ship.
If you have questions about child custody or how divorce in North Carolina affects minor children, get in touch with a North Carolina child custody lawyer today.
Three Things You Can Do to Help Your Kids Cope with Divorce
You don’t stop being your child’s parent just because you are no longer married to his or her other parent. Furthermore, if you and your ex-share a child, divorce won’t even truly end your relationship. As co-parents, you will be forced to interact in a variety of ways long after your divorce is final. Together, you and your ex can take several positive steps to minimize the impact of the divorce on your child.
Don’t Badmouth the Other Parent- No matter how you feel about your ex, or how egregious their actions become, remember that he or she is still your child’s mother or father and the child has no control over that status. Children lack the emotional maturity to understand complex relationships. If you speak poorly of your ex in front of your child, you could negatively influence your child’s relationship with the other parent, creating the possibility of serious long-term problems.
Keep Your Disagreements Private- You and your ex-spouse should also present a united front to your kids. If you have disagreements, handle them privately, where little ears can’t overhear. Witnessing verbal sparring and heated arguments can be stressful for children, especially in a divorce situation.
Talk to Your Child- Divorce is a complex and emotional process for anyone, including kids. In some cases, parents focus so much on their own feelings, they forget to ask their children how the divorce is affecting them emotionally. In some cases, children don’t know how to process strong emotions, which may cause them to act out inappropriately at school or home. Watch for signs that your child is struggling, and take time to gently ask your child how he or she is feeling. Encourage your child to share emotions, even if they’re ones of anger, fear, or frustration.
Vitale Family Law: North Carolina Child Custody Lawyers
Divorce can be challenging when there are kids involved, but staying positive can help you and your children overcome the emotional hurdles involved in dividing your household. Call the North Carolina child custody lawyers at Vitale Family Law today to discuss your case. You can reach us by calling 919-841-5680.
