It is unfortunately a common occurrence for children to be negatively impacted by divorce. If you are considering divorce, there are some things you can do to minimize the negative effects your divorce will have on your children. The following will review some common tactics that parents can use to help protect their children during a divorce.

Avoid Speaking Negatively About Your Spouse

It can be tempting to talk negatively about your spouse around your children. Instead, it is a much better choice to not say anything at all rather than saying something mean. By speaking negatively about your spouse in front of the children, there is a risk that you could seriously harm them and their relationships with you and your spouse..

Do Not Ask Your Children to Take Sides

It can be challenging to work out a custody schedule for children. While it might seem like a good idea to ask children which parent they would like to live with, this type of questioning places children in the middle of your divorce. Many younger children placed in this situation feel that they are being forced to pick the parent that they love more.

Make a Plan About How to Announce the Divorce

Before announcing a divorce to children, carefully plan out what you will say. When deciding on what to say, it is important to remember that despite the divorce, the good parts of the child’s life should remain undisturbed as much as possible. Both parents should emphasize that they tried to save the marriage and that neither individual is responsible for the divorce. Tell the children that everyone will benefit from the divorce and that you will no longer be fighting with your former spouse. It is also important to emphasize that each parent will continue to maintain a relationship with the children and that both parents will continue to care about the children.

Place Your Children First

Some people find themselves overwhelmed and uncertain about how to proceed due to the stress associated with a divorce. In an effort to “get back” at a former spouse, some people lash out and fight for sole custody or limit the amount of time that the ex spends with the children. While it can be difficult to resist, it is always a much better idea to step back and consider what is in the best interests of your children. By cutting off contact to the other parent, children can end up experiencing feelings of abandonment and isolation.

Speak with an Experienced Family Law Attorney
If you are considering a divorce and want to make sure that your children navigate the process safely, one of the best steps that you can take is to speak with an experienced family law attorney. Contact Vayman & Teitelbaum P.C. today to schedule a free consultation.