Many parents think that going through a divorce while their children are young is going to be detrimental to their children’s growth, health and well-being. In some cases, it does make sense for parents to “stick it out” and stay together, such as if their kids are already in their late teens, since divorcing wouldn’t require necessarily custody scheduling or child support once their children turn 18.
In most other cases, whether or not you divorce should be decided more on the current climate in the home rather than on the potential for a divorce to harm your children in the short term. In fact, divorcing can be a positive change for some children, especially if you and your spouse argue or fight often in the home.
Divorcing doesn’t always hurt children
Divorce does not always hurt children in the long term, especially in cases where divorcing creates two more welcoming, warm and peaceful home environments. A divorce is going to be stressful for everyone involved, but it is not necessarily more stressful or damaging than allowing a child to live in an aggressive or volatile environment.
How can you help your kids adjust to divorce?
If you and your spouse are considering a divorce and your children are old enough to understand what’s going to happen, talk to them about it. Explain that you intend to divorce and express what you think should happen in terms of custody and visitation arrangements.
Children of divorce may benefit from going to therapy or being involved in some of these discussions. In the meantime, reduce conflict in your home by avoiding arguments or disagreements around your children, and look into making your divorce as peaceful and amicable as possible with mediation or other supportive services.