TAKE A BREAK
THE LONG-TERM EFFECTS OF BROKEN FAMILIES Safeguarding Children’s Mental Health
The impact of divorce on all members of a family can be extremely difficult to bear. But children of divorced parents are the most susceptible to long-term adverse effects. In many cases, they have a difficult time understanding and coping with what can be a traumatizing time. How long does the impact of a divorce last for the children involved? Since no two people or situations are identical, the answer to that answer can vary from person to person. However, there are common challenges that children experience after divorce. These include an increased chance of mental disorders and behavioral problems, falling behind academically, and even developing addictions. There are steps that parents can take to minimize the potential for these adverse results. AVOID PUTTING CHILDREN IN THE MIDDLE. One of the most positive steps parents can take is not to put their children in the middle of their differences. When parents show respect to their former spouse by not putting them down or talking badly about them, they also teach their children how to constructively make their way through those (and other) disagreements that they will experience in their lives. FIND COMMON GROUND. Co-parenting is another powerful tool in helping children adjust and continue
to grow positively through a divorce. In general, drama between parents adds stress to everyone. Former spouses who can find common ground and communicate well with each other prevent their children from absorbing the stress of seeing their parents bicker. BE PRESENT IN THEIR LIVES. One of the most effective ways to help your kids is to be there for them. If you have divorced from your spouse, you can combat the confusion that your children feel. A big, positive step you can take is to discuss feelings openly with your children, making sure they know that the divorce doesn’t mean that your relationship with them will change.
SOLUTION:
STAY CONSISTENT. Another crucial element
after a divorce is consistent disciplinary practices in each household. In some cases, one parent may be tempted to allow their children to have a freer rein to compensate for the other parent’s absence. However, by being consistent, coming up with a baseline set of rules for both houses, and following through on enforcement, the children will have a sense of order to keep them on track as they grow. Going through a divorce is stressful for adults and children alike. While you can’t eliminate that reality, there are steps that you and your former spouse can take to minimize the long-term effects of your separation on your children.
provide support has some level of legal obligation to provide support.
•
Legal Custody: To be eligible to
receive support a person needs to have legal custody of the child.
The stresses that are involved with divorce are significant, and
those can be worsened when there are financial concerns. However, you have options to pursue the support that your child is legally entitled to receive. If you’re considering your legal options, the experienced team at Pacific Northwest Family Law can help. Call us at 564-212-2733 to schedule your consultation.
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