Children often have a hard time with divorce. While their parents are focused on their own hurt feelings and the changes that result from separating, their children may be left to handle their emotions on their own.
The trouble with that is that children often don’t have the same coping skills as adults, because they have not yet learned or developed them. Younger children, in particular, have a difficult time understanding their emotions and may lash out, throw tantrums, cry or have a major shift in attitude as they try to adapt to the new situation.
How can parents help reduce the impact of a divorce on their children?
One of the best ways is by keeping conflict out of your home. Yes, you and your spouse may actually feel that you hate one another and be angry, frustrated and hurt. However, your child should not have to know that. Negativity, shouting, aggression and other behaviors can be terrifying to children and may make them fearful about what’s to come.
Keeping conflict out of your home is also smart when it comes to court. If a judge is determining your custody arrangements, you don’t want to be the person that is found to be causing conflict. Judges do not look kindly on that, since bringing a conflict in front of a child is frowned upon.
Your attorney can talk to you more about how to prevent your child from being present during conflicts in a contentious divorce. Keep your children away from violence, aggression and anger so that they can be safe.
