Your Trusted Family Law Resource

Child custody: The emotional needs of children not to be ignored

On Behalf of | Aug 12, 2015 | Child Custody |

Coping with the emotional trauma of a divorce is typically so difficult for both spouses involved in a Texas divorce that the intensity of their children’s feelings is sometimes not recognized. While parents are discussing and negotiating matters such as property division, child custody and visitation plans, children are commonly left out of the discussions, leaving them confused and stressed. They may experience anger toward their parents, despite being reassured that they are loved by both.

Children don’t want to be left guessing how their lives will change after the divorce. Reassuring them that they will continue to have the support of both parents is typically not enough — they want details on how and when they will see the absent parent. A child’s love for both parents must be respected, and badmouthing the other parent can cause even more sadness for a child.

Children may be more accepting of the imminent changes if they know that they will be able to interact with the absent parent via Skype, Facebook, emails and other methods. Regardless of the relationship between the parents, they must demonstrate their continuing love by providing stability and structure in actions rather than words. Ongoing communication to keep children — especially older children — up to date on divorce proceedings can go a long way in helping them to adjust to the new family dynamics.

When considering a divorce, Texas parents may benefit from the services of an experienced divorce mediator. Such a professional facilitates mediation sessions as an independent third-party and encourages communication and compromise between soon-to-be ex-spouses with the support of their respective attorneys. This may help to resolve issues such as child custody in a manner that may ensure the least amount of controversy and contention.

Source: Yahoo, “This Is What Divorce Feels Like for Your Child“, Christine Schoenwald, July 30, 2015