Parents who are considering a divorce often think of how it would affect their children, sometimes allowing this to determine whether or not they proceed. You have probably heard of unhappy couples “staying together for the kids,” or couples who wait until their youngest child has graduated from high school to end their marriage. Baltimore divorce lawyers state that staying together for the kids may not always be what is best for them.
It is true that divorce can take a psychological effect on a child. Battles over child custody and visitation rights can take their toll. However, parents should not avoid divorce because of this. In high-conflict households, it is often better for parents to divorce and each have a functional relationship with the child than it is for the child to remain in an unhappy, unhealthy home.
Psychologists have studied the effects of divorce on children for more than 100 years. One thing that has changed over the years is that children whose parents divorce today experience fewer negative effects than those in the past did. This could be because of the increased social acceptability of divorce and the reality that more women are part of the workforce than ever before, making them more financially secure.
Your Child’s Psychological Reaction to your Divorce Depends on Many Factors
Every divorce is different and each child is unique. How your child is affected by your divorce depends on his or her personality and the steps that you and your former partner take to alleviate the stresses of divorce.
The best way to shield your child from the stress of divorce is to talk to him or her about it in an age-appropriate way. Do not ignore or dance around the subject, but answer his or her questions without making accusations or speaking badly about your partner. Amid the divorce proceedings, make time to spend with your child, one-on-one. Having quality time together and making an effort to disrupt his or her established routine as little as possible can help your child handle the emotional aspect of your divorce more easily.
It might be helpful to seek counseling from a licensed counselor who specializes in divorce-related issues. By having a neutral third party to speak with, your child can work through his or her emotions and learn how to process and express them in a healthy way.
Baltimore Divorce Lawyers at the Law Offices of Allyson B. Goldscher, LLC Advocate for Divorcing Couples and their Children
When a couple divorces, every member of their family can be affected, especially children. If you are a parent seeking a divorce in Maryland, consider working with the Baltimore divorce lawyers at the Law Offices of Allyson B. Goldscher, LLC. Complete our online contact form or call our Stevenson offices at 410-602-9522 today to set up your initial consultation with us.
