The divorce rate in this country is the highest in the world. In particularly angry splits, children often become the unfortunate collateral damage. New research shows that it is not necessarily the divorce itself that emotionally impacts kids, it is the conflict that often comes with divorce.
Much has been said about children of divorce being more prone to anxiety, depression, and poor academic performance, but it is not that simple. There seems to be three main indicators for a child’s emotional health and wellness after the divorce of their parents:
- The state of the child’s relationship with each parent prior to the divorce
- The length and extent of parental conflict during divorce
- Parents’ ability to focus on the needs of the child throughout the divorce process
Parents who leave their child custody disputes in their attorney’s office and make their child’s well-being a top priority support their mental health and emotional well-being for years to come. Every situation is unique, and every child has their own concerns when undergoing a significant transition, like divorce. Counseling can be helpful in encouraging children to acknowledge, process, and accept these emotions to move on in a positive direction.
Tips for Resolving Child Custody Disputes
Bitter child custody disputes can be the most painful and traumatic stages of divorce. Because children are the focus of these battles, they often internalize their sadness and helplessness, feeling guilty or disloyal when spending time with one parent over another. Divorcing parents can do a lot to shield children from these disputes and reduce unnecessary turmoil.
Consider these steps to keep your child custody case conflict-free:
- Do not put the kids in the middle: Your kids are innocent parties in this process. Remember that when making decisions regarding child custody. Unless you have serious reservations about your ex-spouse’s fitness as a parent, encourage a good relationship between your child and their other parent.
- Keep calm and trust your divorce lawyer: You do not have to go through your divorce and child custody matter alone. Find a Towson child custody lawyer who truly listens to your concerns, takes the time to answer your questions, and explains all legal options for the best resolution to your divorce matter.
- Lean on friends and family: You need support too. Divorce is a painful process and you are undoubtedly experiencing a lot of emotions that need to be addressed. Spend time with loved ones who will listen to you, empathize, and empower you to enter this new stage of life with confidence.
Even if you make every effort to resolve your child custody matter peacefully, your ex-spouse may not be as inclined to do so. Try not to let the children witness arguments between you and your ex-spouse. Refrain from disparaging the other parent in front of them.
Towson Child Custody Lawyers at Huesman, Jones & Miles, LLC Help Clients Reduce Conflict with Mediation
Your Towson child custody lawyer at Huesman, Jones & Miles, LLC is your ally through every step of the divorce process. From alimony to child custody, we provide the smartest legal counsel available, so you can close this chapter and begin a new one. To schedule a free consultation today, call 443-589-0150 or contact us online. With offices in Hunt Valley and Towson, Maryland, we serve clients throughout the surrounding areas, including Baltimore, Baltimore County, Bel Air, Columbia, Westminster, Essex, Monkton, Sparks, Parkton, Carroll County, Harford County, and Howard County.
