How to Minimize the Impact of a Divorce on Your Kids

How can you minimize the impact of your divorce on your kids? At The Betz Law Firm, our goal is to assist families in need to navigate their way through these important, life-changing events.

Hurt, pain, guilt, denial, and depression are some of the feelings a divorcing couple may experience individually. These expand to more nuanced emotions based on your specific circumstances. However, when a divorcing couple has kids, these feelings extend to them. Studies show that each child experiences different levels of psychological trauma when their parents divorce.

How can you minimize the impact of your divorce on your kids? At The Betz Law Firm, our goal is to assist families in need to navigate their way through these important, life-changing events. 

Will Divorce Affect Your Children?

Many people reason that divorce won’t really affect their kids, but that reasoning is false. Research indicates that what impacts children isn’t the divorce itself but the prolonged tension and conflict between the parents. It doesn’t mean you shouldn’t get a divorce; it just means you should recognize the impact it will have on them and take steps to minimize it.

Ways to Minimize the Negative Impacts

Some ways to minimize the negative impact your divorce will have on your kids include:

• Avoid speaking negatively about their other parent
• Do not make your kids take sides with one parent over the other
• Don’t argue or fight in front of your kids
• Never put your child in the middle of an argument
• Encourage honesty
• Don’t try to buy their love
• Maintain stability and your routine as much as possible
• Show your kids that you’re still there for them
• Care for their emotional needs
• Listen to your kid’s questions and concerns

Applying this advice is often a lot easier said than done. However, discussing this with your spouse is one way to achieve success. If you are both on the same page regarding how you care for your kids, your divorce will be easier on them.

Consider Family Law Mediation

Mediation is an alternative dispute resolution method that individuals can use instead of going to court in front of a judge. This process uses a third party, a mediator, to help two parties decide on matters relating to divorce, child custody, and other legal issues.

There are many advantages to choosing mediation, but one of the main benefits is that kids fair better when their parents can resolve the situation peaceably.

St. Louis Family Law

At The Betz Law Firm, we are experienced divorce and family law attorneys. However, our principal partner, David Betz, is also experienced in resolving cases through mediation. Contact our firm today if you are considering mediation or have other questions. We are committed to guiding our clients and their families through the divorce process with the least amount of emotional trauma and turmoil possible.