Protecting children amid a divorce

When a marriage has got to the point where communication in nonexistent and nothing within the union is reparable, spouses may decide it’s time for them to go their separate ways. If San Francisco couples who decide to divorce have children, parents need to be on the same page when making decisions that affect them. Parents must have their children’s best interests at heart. That means they need to be cognizant of what they’re saying in front of the kids and acting respectfully toward each other when the children are in their company.

For the sake of the children

Kids need to be protected as much as possible from the negative effects of divorce. When parents work together to create a parenting plan that works for everyone, it’s the first step in the right direction. Children not only need consistency, support and love, they also need to have positive relationships with both parents, especially when they might be feeling vulnerable because of the divorce.

Helpful strategies

Professionals contend there are some strategies parents can use to help their kids adjust to their new lifestyle:

• Let children to process the news of the divorce the way the feel they need to
• Parents must not complain or display their negative emotions in front of the kids
• Break the news of the divorce to the children together
• Never rely on the children for emotional support. Parents who are struggling should seek help from a therapist, a trusted friend or an adult family member
• When one parents encourages their children to have a wonderful relationship with the other parent, it shows the kids that they come first and they won’t feel guilty when they leave one parent to be with the other
• Keep children’s routines as consistent as possible

Children’s needs must come first as San Francisco parents go through the divorce process. As parents work on a co-parenting plan, they should keep in mind the goals of making the children feel loved and supported. Before writing a plan, each parent may wish to seek independent legal advice.