How to Protect Your Children from the Effects of Your Wisconsin Divorce

 Posted on October 26, 2020 in Parenting

Often, one of the primary concerns of parents before and during a divorce is how the process will affect their children. Getting a divorce is a stressful process that can affect the entire family, especially the kids. The divorce process is never easy for anyone, but it can actually be rather difficult for children to cope with because they are not as emotionally mature as adults. However, multiple studies have found that it is not the divorce itself that gives children problems or anxiety. Rather, it is the stress and tension that comes with a divorce that can cause lasting issues. If you are going through a divorce and you have children, you should speak with a Wisconsin divorce lawyer before you make any decisions.

Tips for Dealing With Your Children and Divorce

There have been many studies conducted on the effects of divorce on children, however, there has never been a direct correlation drawn between divorce, in general, and negative outcomes. However, studies have determined that most of the detrimental effects associated with divorce arise from divorces that are riddled with conflict and constantly exposing the children to it. Every parent who goes through a divorce wants what is best for their kids. Here are a few tips to help you protect your children during your divorce:

• Do not make them choose between you and your spouse. You should not make spending time together a test of loyalty because then your children will feel like they are only able to love one parent or risk betraying the other. Do not make them take sides on issues and do not talk negatively about their other parent in front of them. 

• Try not to fight or argue in front of them. Although it can be difficult to always know when a disagreement will elevate into an argument, you should try to move away from your children if it does. Studies show that exposing your kids to constant arguing such as screaming and yelling is what can cause the most damaging effects after divorce.

• Encourage your kids to spend time with both parents. You should not feel like you need to weaponize your children during your divorce. Children have a right to continue to develop close and loving relationships with both of their parents, even if their parents are no longer together. This can be accomplished by creating a fair parenting plan with scheduled parenting time. 

• Consider taking them to see a counselor or a therapist. In some cases, your children may not be coping with your divorce in a healthy manner. Signs that you might need to consider taking your children to talk to a professional include if they are having trouble in school or if their eating or sleeping habits have dramatically changed. Discussing their concerns and feelings with a neutral party who is trained in divorce issues can be very beneficial. 

Speak to Our Waukesha County Divorce Attorneys Today

One of the most important things you should keep in mind when you are a parent who is getting a divorce is that you should always keep your children’s best interests in mind. With nearly every decision that you make, you should be thinking about its possible benefit for your child and how it could affect them in the future. At Bucher, Wolff & Sonderhouse, LLP, we can help you determine the best type of divorce for you and your family, in addition to providing assistance throughout the divorce process. To schedule a free consultation with one of our dedicated New Berlin divorce lawyers, call our office today at 262-232-6699.

Sources:

https://childmind.org/article/dont-let-your-kids-be-casualties-of-divorce/

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/helping-kids-cope/201707/protecting-kids-divorce-tug-wars-10-golden-rules

https://www.ourfamilywizard.com/blog/protecting-your-children-during-divorce-what-does-look