5 Ways To Minimize The Effect of Divorce On Children

When thinking about dividing up assets, property, money, and time-sharing with your children, it’s easy to get caught up in wanting more than your spouse. I also suggest that each parent always ask them self: “why do I truly want what I want?” If the reason is primarily so that your spouse can’t have “it,” then you are not focusing on your children’s best interests. If the reason is mainly so that your child will want to be with you more than his/her other parent, then you are not focusing on your children’s best interests.

Parenting Plan's incorporate decisions such as: where my children will live; where they will go to school; and when they will be spending time with each parent. I always encourage parents to ask themself: will my son/daughter truly benefit from my position or desired outcome? Over the course of conducting many mediations with a variety of couples, I often notice parents tend to focus their decision-making on what they want or need. It’s easy for divorcing parents to get so caught up emotionally in their divorce that they tend to make decisions without really thinking about the children. In every decision concerning a minor child, parents should focus on the unique needs of their child (and in the case of multiple children, on the specific needs of each individual child) and what is in their best interests. For example, will it benefit your child if the parent that the child lives with the majority of the time does not have a car? Lives in a one-bedroom apartment? Works overnight shifts? Travels extensively during the month? 

Mindfulness is essential to communication. Always keep your children in the back of your thoughts when communicating with your spouse (their other parent). When speaking to your spouse, speak to them the way you would if your child was present and listening. It is natural to feel a range of feelings and emotions about the divorce and your soon-to-be ex-spouse. It is perfectly fine to find an effective place to process and express those negative feelings and thoughts. However, around your children, you should always be respectful, even when you are emotional, and remember that you are speaking about your child's other parent - whom they love. Mindfulness with also help you to stay level headed, have good focus, and remain calm.

You and your spouse once made a talented team. You need to be open to negotiating and making decisions about your children’s future together. Many couples benefit from family counseling after or during a divorce. Realizing you will need to be open-minded to compromise is the first step to negotiating in good-faith about the best interests of your children. 

If your son or daughter is old enough to express their desire, take that into consideration. Young children do not always know what is best for them. As they get older, they know what they want and will tell you. Take their wants and needs into consideration when you are making decisions that will be permanent. Showing them respect now will reap rewards in the future.