If you are one of the many Texas couples planning to divorce, you may be concerned about the impacts it will have on your children. Studies have shown that both the divorce itself and the parents’ behaviors during and after can cause children to develop a fear of abandonment from one or both parents.
How divorce affects children
Emotions run high during a divorce regardless of who files first. This is especially true of children, who can feel as if they are losing their families. Studies have found that one of the biggest and most lasting effects of divorce, particularly for younger children, is fearing that one or both parents will leave them. This feeling only increases when children witness behaviors like parental arguing.
Other effects of divorce on children include depression and anxiety, which can last well into adulthood. Luckily, there are ways to minimize these effects on your children. Hiring a Texas family law office to help you settle the legal aspects of divorce in a timely manner is a good start.
Ways to mitigate the stress of a divorce
It is inevitable that you will face a great deal of stress during this time, but there are ways to mitigate its effects on your children. Always allow for open conversation with your children and answer their questions. Keep in mind that some aspects of the divorce, including finances, custody disagreements or reasons for the divorce, should not be discussed with young children.
Encourage a loving relationship between your children and their other parent regardless of how you feel about them. A few other ways to help your children through your divorce include:
- Never speak badly of the other parent in front of your children.
- Do not argue with the children’s other parent.
- Do not ask your children to spy or deliver messages to the other parent.
Finding empathetic legal advice
Divorce is difficult enough. For help, you may want to find a family law office with attorneys who understand and work with you to ensure that you get the best outcome for yourself and your children.