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Aug 17th, 2006
Co-Parenting Best for Children After Divorce
Every year in the U.S., millions of children and adults are impacted by divorce. In many of these cases, the post-divorce conflict may progress over a number of years negatively affecting the children caught in the middle. New research has found that divorced parents must work together as co-parents to protect their children from developing serious behavioral problems that could impact them in the future.
Conflict After Divorce Impacts ChildrenOne of the major life stressors for children occurs when they are faced with persistent conflict between their parents post-divorce. Studies show that children who are exposed to their parents’ manipulation and battles following a divorce are more likely to suffer depression and behavioral problems.
Children Need Love From Both ParentsFamily life experts and researchers all acknowledge that maintaining a good relationship with both parents is a vital aspect in a child’s well-being and development. Current studies and parenting resources focus on “co-parenting” as the best way to maintain a stable family life and help children stay connected with both parents. Furthermore, there is a growing body of research involving the unique challenges of being a custodial or non-custodial parent, which includes information on how divorced couples can maintain a union when it comes to their children’s lives.
Focusing on the ChildrenThe best way that children can maintain a strong and healthy relationship with both parents after a divorce is through co-parenting. Co-parenting involves helping the children comfortably and accessibly communicate, visit, and live with each parent during different times. This would necessitate a workable relationship between divorced spouses in which they can negotiate the everyday needs of their children. There are numerous benefits to establishing a co-parenting relationship after a divorce including:
· An agreed direction for the children’s future
· Shared responsibilities
· Increased security for children and a more stable environment
· Significantly less stress for parents and children
· More
Co-Parenting Helps Children AdjustDivorced parents that form a workable relationship help their entire family adjust to the situation and are more successful at meeting their children’s needs, both short-term and long-term. While a divorce is a very emotional and frustrating period in adults’ lives, they should first and foremost strive to shelter their children from post-divorce conflict.
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