Is Divorce Ever Beneficial for Children?

Staying Together for the Kids is Not Always a Good Idea

Getting a divorce can be a difficult decision, especially for parents with children. There is a common belief–which often proves to be true–that divorce has a negative effect on a child’s development and well-being. However, the opposite may also be true: Divorce may be positive for a child when a marriage is so contentious and acrimonious that a child is constantly exposed to conflict. In other words, the marriage has created an environment so toxic that dividing the family is the most positive outcome available.

If you are on the fence about divorce because you are worried about the effect the divorce may have on your child or children, consider some of the following benefits of divorce for children. For insight that is specific to you and your child, speaking with a child psychologist or other professional is strongly recommended by The Powell Law Firm.

How Children can Benefit from a Divorce

As explained by an article published in Good Therapy, children who are exposed to chronic conflict amongst parents may suffer in a number of ways. In fact, children who are constantly around fighting parents may:

• Have poor role models for healthy relationships;

• Feel pressured to take sides between parents;

• Have difficulty developing healthy and trusting relationships as they age; and

• Be placed in the position of having to manage adult problems as a young child.

On the other hand, some of the benefits of putting an end to this conflict and parting ways with a spouse through divorce include:

• A child has more opportunities to spend quality, loving one-on-one time with each parent independently;

• Children see their parents as happier, and therefore have greater happiness themselves;

• By ending an unhappy and unhealthy marriage, you set an example and standard that says that you deserve to be in a happy, healthy relationship - this is something positive to model to children;

• Less stress and more relaxation - when disputes dissipate and tension decreases, a child will be able to find more peace and calmness in the home, which is key for healthy development.

Helping Your Child Through Divorce

The fact that children may benefit from a divorce long-term does not mean that divorce is always easy, for the child or for you. As such, it is important to offer your child the support and guidance he or she needs during the divorce process. Some tips that can help your child include:

• Never ask your child to take sides;

• Never complain about your spouse to your child or use your child as an outlet for your feelings;

• Encourage your child to express his or her feelings about the divorce; and

• Seek outside help. Working with a school counselor or child psychologist can make a huge difference.

Are You Ready to Get Started?

If you are ready to start the process of filing for a divorce, our lawyers at the office of The Powell Law Firm can help. To learn more about how to file, what issues you will need to resolve in a divorce, and why working with a lawyer is important, call our law office today or send us a message to schedule your first appointment. Our firm has more than 20 years of legal experience.