Children often bear the brunt of many emotions when their parents divorce. A divorcing couple could spill their emotions onto their children. However, Connecticut family law provides tools for parents to become successful co-parents even when emotions are raw and unsettled. Instead of all the don’ts associated with divorce and how to move forward to parent children, psychologists recommend focusing on the do’s.
There is some co-parenting advice that can be applied to most families who are experiencing divorce. Firstly, it is incredibly important that both parents are there for their children both physically and emotionally. Kids need to spend time with both parents and need them to be there emotionally as well. Secondly, each parent should talk to the kids about the divorce and what it means — that they will always be loved and supported; that they will always be safe and that they will always be free to talk about their feelings with both parents. If parents can speak to their kids together, that’s even better.
It is important to allow kids to be kids and not get them wrapped up in adult issues. Part of that equation involves supporting an ex spouse and his or her role in the children’s lives. Being supportive of each other as parents will foster a great co-parenting relationship. Spouses are separating from each other, not from their children together as parents. Keep to a co-parenting schedule yet allow some flexibility.
Statistics show that children of divorce do better when they are co-parented by parents who act civilly toward each other. There are no hard and fast rules to being good co-parents. A Connecticut attorney who is seasoned in family law will be able to help clients fashion a co-parenting plan suitable to their own, unique family needs. A compassionate attorney could also point his or her client in the direction of further help if needed, such as an experienced family counselor.
Source: psychologytoday.com, “What Makes for Successful Co-Parenting After Divorce?” Edward Kruk, Oct. 13, 2017