Children’s Rights
Children Have a Right to a Relationship with BOTH parents...
When your family situation changes, you may find yourself wondering if you should stay together for the kids, or if you have reached the point where divorce is the only option.
It is natural to be concerned about how your children will deal with separation of their parents. What are the psychological effects of divorce on children? Divorce can be extremely impactful on some children, while others take it all in their stride.
The good news is, parents can take steps to reduce the psychological effects of divorce on children. A few supportive parenting strategies can go a long way to helping kids adjust to the changes brought about by divorce.
The Problem:
Studies have shown that one of the most important things to children adjusting more easily, is that children maintains a relationship with both parents. This is where we have to put asside our own issues and put the needs of our children before our own.
Separation effects everyone involved differently. And depending on the age of children they may react with confusion, with frustration, acting out, withdrawing. The situation can confusing to parents as the behaviour does not always make sense.
Young children can find it confusing to know why they must go back and forth between two homes. They may worry that if their parents can stop loving one another that they may also stop loving them.
School age children may blame themselves. They can internalise and think that their behaviour has somehow caused the split.
Older children and teenagers can become quite angry or distant. Divorce may mean changes to school, friend groups, routines. They often blame one parent for the dissolution of the marriage, there can be resentment to the upheaval to family life, the change of status.
The Solution:
If both parents manage to keep a positive and open dialogue, the chance of the children dealing with the changing situation are far greater.
Disclaimer:
The information in this article is for general guidance only and should not be used as a substitute for consultation with a qualified legal advisor.