Divorce can be a difficult time for children. Divorcing parents sometimes fail to realize that they risk straining their relationship with their children when they let the stress of divorce get the best of them. However, being aware of the divorce scenarios that hurt children the most can make it possible for Wheat Ridge, Colorado, divorcing couples to minimize the damage and help children cope with a break-up.
A behavioral pediatrician advises divorcing parents to avoid the five worst-case scenarios when it comes to children and divorce. The first scenario to avoid is becoming an angry parent. Going through a divorce is emotionally taxing, but parents do not need to take it out on their children.
The second scenario to avoid is depression. A depressed parent may not be able to properly care for themselves, much less their children.
The third scenario to avoid is sowing confusion. The pediatrician observed that he has seen a number of children who never even saw their parents fight. Imagine then how confused and surprised they were when their parents decided to end their marriage.
The fourth scenario is letting an only child feel that he or she is alone. It is difficult enough that a child’s parents are divorcing, but not having siblings or anyone to talk to about these feelings can really hurt a child.
The fifth scenario is parents who begin rebound dating very quickly. Although, it may not seem to hurt an adult who decides to quickly move on to another relationship, it can upset children to see their parent dating.
To avoid or counteract the ill effects of such scenarios, divorcing Wheat Ridge parents should always try to be there for their children. Not just during the divorce or child custody process, but even after the decree is final. They should be good listeners, tend to their children’s needs and create an open, friendly and cooperative relationship with them and even their former spouse. Assistance from a family law professional may also prove to be beneficial.
Source: FOX 2, “Dr. Jordan: Children and divorce,” Margie Ellisor, April 1, 2014