Getting a divorce is an arduous process for parents and children in Tennessee and elsewhere. While parents deal with the emotional and mental turmoil associated with divorce, children may suffer from confusion, fear and other negative emotions. Parents can take certain steps to ensure that their divorce remains child-centered, which sets their children up for success in the future.
Don’t use your kids
When parents go through a divorce, they commonly start seeing their ex as their enemies. Unfortunately, parents who adopt that mindset often fall into the trap of using their children against their ex. Don’t use your child to spy or to carry messages to your ex. Finally, don’t force your child to take sides in your divorce, as parental alienation is illegal in all 50 states.
Remember your priorities
While still married, you and your ex prioritized your children above all else. Continue prioritizing them during and after the end of your marriage. While it’s easy to start fighting over marital assets, remember that your children are the most important assets in your life.
Keeping it out of court
Many parents don’t know about their divorce options, which leads to unnecessary court battles. While a judge eventually signs your final divorce decree, you can work with your ex to come to agreements about child support, visitation, division of assets and more.
Licensed mediators serve as unbiased third parties during divorce mediation. Mediation isn’t only cheaper and less stressful than litigation, but it also protects your children. Mediation services provide confidentiality not available to those who deal with their divorce in court.
Parenting after a divorce isn’t easy, but experts agree that working with your ex is the best choice for your children. Keeping your divorce child-focused allows you to prioritize your child’s mental and emotional health during this turbulent time.