Helping children cope is often a priority in divorce

Helping children adapt to major changes in their lives can be challenging. When a set of parents decide to divorce, a series of decisions must be made concerning the children, and these decisions may prompt changes that disrupt a child’s daily routine. If parents do not agree on what is best for their kids, it may lead to litigation.There are several things a concerned parent can do to help children cope in as healthy a manner as possible when divorce is bringing changes to everyday family life. Children often get stressed when they are exposed to parental conflict in divorce. While it is understandable that parents might disagree on a specific issue, what is most important is that they try to avoid arguing in front of their children, especially when the issue at hand pertains directly to the kids.Children are more likely to be able to process their emotions regarding their parents’ divorce if they believe each parent is OK with them showing loyalty and love to the other. If one parent tries to turn the children against the other, for instance, it may cause the children to be confused about where their loyalties should lie. On the other hand, when parents are willing to support one another in their ongoing roles and actively participation in their children’s lives, it shows the kids that their parents have their best interests in mind and are willing to set aside their differences to develop a successful co-parenting relationship.This is not always possible, especially if a co-parent refuses to cooperate or is violating an existing court order regarding the divorce. A parent who is trying hard to protect his or her children’s feelings can still take legal steps to resolve a problem issue; in fact, doing so may ultimately help the kids, particularly if the issue at hand pertains to child custody or child support. A parent need not bring a problem issue to the court’s attention alone; he or she can reach out for support by requesting a meeting with an experienced Colorado family law attorney.