It appears that approximately half of children will have parents that divorce before that child turns 18-years old. But though this can be particularly tough for children to deal with, studies have shown that parents putting aside their differences for the sake of the child are more satisfied with their child custody arrangements.
For whatever reason, parents need to be reminded of this now and then because it sometimes seems that the child is the most mature party to a divorce. However misguided some parents may happen to be, almost all parents actually do care about how the child is doing, and parents that can maintain their focus upon the child generally have fewer problems in their relationship with the other parent.
Eliminating conflict makes for better child custody arrangements
It appears that approximately half of children will have parents that divorce before that child turns 18-years old. But though this can be particularly tough for children to deal with, studies have shown that parents putting aside their differences for the sake of the child are more satisfied with their child custody arrangements.
For whatever reason, parents need to be reminded of this now and then because it sometimes seems that the child is the most mature party to a divorce. However misguided some parents may happen to be, almost all parents actually do care about how the child is doing, and parents that can maintain their focus upon the child generally have fewer problems in their relationship with the other parent.
Obviously, in-fighting between two parents will harm the child. What sometimes occurs is that the child is forced to be a part of such in-fighting. It doesn’t matter what sort of custodial arrangement is created, problems will always arise if parents do nothing to resolve their conflicts.
However tough it may be, parents need to work together in the best interest of the children. This will require cooperation of both sides involved in the dispute. Family law attorneys can get parents to sit down together, take the time to mediate disputes and come up with alternative plans that may work for a couple, but ultimately it is up to the parents to cooperate with each other.
When parents are happy, it is generally found that children are happy as well. What make this possible are good advice, a strong support network, and a willingness to look past differences and focus upon the children.
Source: Deseret News, “Parenting under two roofs: Focusing on the children after divorce,” by Rachel Lowry, Oct. 21, 2012
- For Texas parents dealing with child custody issues, they may find our website useful.