As a parent, you want to make choices that provide your children with stability and security. While you want to protect their best interests above all else, there are times when you have to make a difficult decision, such as moving forward with divorce. This decision is sometimes difficult for the kids, but it is possible that there is a time when divorce could actually be best for the entire family. Divorce should be a last resort, but it is not always a bad decision.
If you have considered all options and decide to move forward with divorce, you may feel that this choice could do irreparable harm to your children. While children often suffer emotional and mental duress as a result of their parents’ marriage ending, that does not always have to be the case. There are steps you can take to ensure that your kids have a strong future and maintain a strong relationship with both parents.
The best interests of the kids
A marriage that is unhealthy, dysfunctional or acrimonious is not healthy for you, the other spouse or your children. An irretrievably broken relationship does not serve you, and it could be causing more harm for your children than you realize. If you are conflicted about your decision to divorce, you may benefit from considering the following:
- When your kids face less conflict and less tension, it may benefit their mental health and emotional well-being.
- The mutual love that you and your soon-to-be ex-spouse have can lead to a cooperative and respectful co-parenting arrangement that can benefit your children.
- You will have the opportunity to build strong individual relationships with your children when it is your parenting time.
- Co-parenting offers Texas parents the opportunity to be a positive role model for the children, during the divorce and after the process is final.
Divorce is difficult, but there can be a positive and peaceful future ahead for you and your children. As you are struggling with the emotions of divorce, it is important to remember that your temporary feelings are likely poor indicators of what will truly be best long-term. It is important to look ahead to your post-divorce future while you are considering custody and visitation decisions. With this perspective and a commitment to the best interests of the kids, your divorce does not have to be harmful to your kids.