Divorce, no matter how it is approached, can be difficult for children to accept. According to a published licensed clinical social worker, it is simply traumatizing for children and can have a significant impact on their future relationships. To help ease the blow, there are certain things that parents in Ohio and elsewhere can do to help their kids deal with this very serious family law matter.
One thing the LCSW suggested was that children receive counseling to work through their feelings in a positive, safe environment. This may prove particularly helpful if one’s divorce is on the ugly side. Children see and hear more than their parents think they do at times. Unfortunately, they do not always feel comfortable bringing up things that are bothering them when Mom or Dad are stressed and angry themselves. Attending counseling sessions could be a good outlet.
With or without counseling, the best things parents can do when going through the marital dissolution process is be honest with their children, create realistic co-parenting plans, listen to their children’s concerns and deal with acting out constructively. Making the process as easy on children as possible, showing them they are still loved and cared for despite everything will go a long way in helping them cope with the change in the family dynamic. At the end of the day, it all comes down to keeping the best interests of the children in mind at all times and acting accordingly.
There is no perfect way to divorce. No matter how one goes about it, children will be affected by it in some way — every child is different. With the assistance of an experienced family law attorney, Ohio residents who are interested in ending their marriages can take the steps necessary to do so swiftly and in a manner that is easiest on their families.