Research shows that more than 50% of marital unions end up being dissolved in the United States, including in Washington. Unfortunately, just as divorce can be hard for two adults to cope with, it can be difficult for children to handle. Here are a couple of tips that may help parents to approach divorce in the most positive way possible for their children.
First, during the divorce, it is best for the parents to keep things as consistent as possible for the children. For instance, it may behoove the parents to allow their children to keep going to the same schools they were going to before the divorce, rather than forcing them to change schools after the marital breakup. If things have to change, the parents may want to give the children a choice pertaining to this change so that the children still feel a sense of control while going through it.
Second, it may be helpful for the parents to emphasize to the children that they did not cause the parents’ divorce. Due to their naiveté, children often blame themselves for their parent’s breakup. To combat this, divorcing parents can explain to their children that parents sometimes stop loving one another but that they cannot do this with the children, as the bond between a parent and a child lasts forever.
Getting a divorce can no doubt be tough for the entire family. However, if two divorcing parents can find common ground regarding matters like child custody, they can avoid further court intrusion by coming up with their own related agreement outside of court. An attorney can direct a divorcing parent’s steps during an out-of-court proceeding to make sure that his or her best interests are upheld in Washington.
The Law Offices of Stacy D. Heard, PLLC
