There are few more stressful experiences a person can go through than the end of their marriage. One of the very few that might qualify as more stressful than your own divorce: your parents’ divorce.
Children depend on both of their parents for stability and love. And when their world is turned upside down, and they witness their parents angry with each other and saying hurtful things to each other and about each other, the damage can be long-lasting, experts agree.
One way to help ease the stress children go through in divorce is to keep the anger parents have for each other away from the kids, a director of a mental health service writes. If you exhibit hateful behavior toward your spouse (or former spouse), you erode the good feelings your children have for both of you.
“Put the children above your need to get back at your spouse,” the author writes to divorcing parents.
One of the ways you can do that is by being gracious about the other parent as your children leave your home for the ex’s home or are returning from there. During the exchange, don’t bring up disagreements with the other party, but rather be courteous and focused on the positive.
And later, the author cautions, refrain from asking for information about your former spouse from your kids. They are smart and will understand immediately what you are up to. They’ll also know that you have effectively put them in the middle as pawns in your ongoing battle.
The stresses of divorce can be effectively dealt with by parents who are focused on protecting their children. An experienced Dallas family law attorney can help you protect them as you safeguard your rights in the course of the legal process.