In our current times, the rate of divorce is on the rise. Blended families and single parents are the new norm in our society. Although that is the case, divorces are not easy, especially when children are involved, because it usually affects the children even more. Hunter Law Group, who have the best personal injury attorney in Tampa and the full range of services covering family law, recommend the following things that your children should expect after your divorce.
How you speak to each other as divorcees
Your children should not hear you saying mean things to each other. Your children love both parents and when speaking badly about your ex-spouse happens in-front of them, it becomes harder for them and not your ex. You children should not be placed in such an awkward situation. Your children are expected to maintain their relationship with each parent, and neither parent should try to corrupt each other’s opinion.
Both parents support each other even in their differences
If you try to criticize your spouse, it tends to work oppositely. Children are loyal, and when you criticize your ex-spouse, they can easily get angry with you. Always remember that children are innocent in a divorce. Avoid criticizing each other in front of your children; they should be able to see parents who support each other, and if there is a disagreement, as parents, you can come up with a solution in a calm way.
Children should have an easy time with both parents
Avoid making your children pick sides, it is not fair to them and they are the ones who are going to suffer. Avoid tracking the time your kids spend with your ex-spouse because it can never be 100% fair when it comes to spending time with kids. Children should be able to see unconditional love from both parents and they should never feel like it was a negative experience spending a lot of time with the other parent.
Your children should not participate in any undertakings of your divorce
A divorce is a stressful time for the whole family. As parents, you should protect your children from becoming embroiled in conversations that directly impact their lives. Children should be able to go through their normal duties without strain, and they should never bear the brunt of financial arguments from either parent.
Children should feel your love and care
Avoid using money to entice your children to love you more. As divorcees, you should concentrate on being stable and loving your children regardless of the financial status of each parent. Children should be able to feel cohesion in how they live even if both parents live separately.
Children expect to see both parents
Never restrain your child from seeing the other parent unless their safety is in question. If you do this, your child will grow up resenting you. Hunter Law Group points out that although your ex-spouse might feel hurt because the children are being kept away from him/her, it will hurt your child even more. Your child will never understand your reasons; they will only understand that you are the reason they can’t see the other parent. To avoid this kind of resentment, your children should expect to see either parent as much as possible without restraint.
Your children should see both parents as stable
If you want to share the problems or issues you are going through with someone, Hunter Law Group suggests that you get a counselor. Your children should not be exposed to your problems and your struggles. Talk to a counselor when it comes to these kinds of conversations. Your children only need you to be their stable parent and their mentor so that they can grow up to be a well-adjusted member of society.
Your children should expect to see both parents communicate well
Avoid using your children as messengers. Ensure that lines of communication between both of you are open. This is the best way to avoid any conflict, and it ensures that no confusion will be present and there will be little room for miscommunication like when a third party is used to relay a conversation, which usually ends up being the kids. Avoid this kind of communication setup because it hurts your children and they can grow up in a stressful environment.
Your children should see you happy
Divorce is really tough, and it takes a lot of energy out from both parents. No matter the case, your children need to see you happy. Your mood has a direct impact on how your children feel. If you seem stressed all the time, your children will feel stressed even more. Your children should be able to see you happy and enjoying life, which will also trickle down to them. Ensure that your children have fun with you and they live to remember the memorable times.