If parents go about splitting up in a way that feels like the war of the worlds, it could have a long-lasting effect on their kids. There is no getting around it, divorce in the best of circumstances is difficult, but when British Columbia parents keep their children out of the lines of fire, they truly are acting in their kids’ best interests. Divorce always leaves some impact on everyone involved, but staying in an unhappy marriage is, according to experts, even more detrimental to everyone’s mental health.
Abandonment issues are what many children of divorce may feel, so it is important that both parents make it clear that they are not leaving their children, that the family dynamic is changing, not ending. Parents are the ones who can protect their children from divorce by consistent positive reinforcements through words and actions and especially through how each parent treats the other in a child’s presence. Blaming and shaming each other or a child is unacceptable.
A child should never have to take personal ownership of his or her parents’ divorce. Children, psychologists say, need to be able to express their feelings about divorce freely to be able to move forward with new living situations. Most children do not do well with sudden changes to the life conditions, so it’s important they get the support they need even if that means being able to talk to a professional, such as a therapist.
Divorce doesn’t need to impact a child negatively — or the couple, for that matter. There are many tools available in British Columbia to help everyone accept and cope with a life-changing event. A family law lawyer will have access to those tools as he or she helps clients through the legal process.