When you think about mediation, your probably think about how you're working through property division or child custody disputes with a third party. What you may not realize is how good mediation can be in your everyday life as well. The tips and tricks you learn during your divorce mediation sessions have a direct impact on your children.
How do mediation sessions, which largely have little to do with your children, affect them? They help reduce stress, aggression and teach good skills for handling future disagreements.
1. Reducing stress helps children adjust
First, remember that any stress in your household eventually affects your children. Even young children understand when things aren't going well in their homes. Going to a different location to work through your problems keeps any stressful conversations out of sight and out of mind for your children, giving them a chance to relax.
2. Stopping arguments keeps your kids out of the middle
Another thing that helps children is not having to be part of an argument. Imagine if you're arguing about your children's custody schedule. It's not fair to have your children listen and feel that they're the ones causing problems for your marriage. It's not a good idea to make your children choose a side, either. Keep custody discussions confined to mediation unless you want your children to have input.
3. Good dispute management techniques get passed down
Finally, remember that good dispute-handling techniques get passed down. If your children see you handling your divorce with grace and dignity, being kind to others and remaining calm, they're more likely to mimic these actions in the future. Those helpful techniques resolve more disputes than just those in divorce, so you're setting your children up for a successful future.
These are three ways mediation can help your kids. Keep them in mind and consider what mediation can do for you.
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