If you and your spouse decide to get a divorce in Michigan and you have children, you need to be aware that the process can be traumatic, sad and stressful for kids of all ages. You and your soon-to-be ex should discuss ahead of time how you both will handle the divorce and how you can reduce the negative effects it may have on the children.
Good Therapy discusses that children who have a good support system fair better during the divorce process. Both parents should live geographically close to help with the transition of moving from one residence to another. Each parent should also stay involved with all the child’s activities and keep an open line of communication with each other and with the child. Parents need to collaborate as a team and treat each other with care and respect, as this helps with the child’s self-esteem. Spending quality one-on-one time with each parent is important for the child as well.
According to WebMD, the two most important factors parents should focus on are on how each of them reacts to the break up and the level of conflict and hostility between each other. Even in the best of situations, some kids will not be able to cope well with their parents’ breakup. Signs of this may include:
- Trouble in school
- Depression
- Anger
- Aggressiveness
- Regressive behavior like wetting the bed or clinging to a parent
If any of these signs are present, it is a good idea to get professional help so they do not lead to long-term issues. Do not hesitate to engage your child in therapy sessions with a family counselor.
