Divorce is naturally one of the most challenging experiences adults will go through. However, it can easily be one of a child’s most difficult life experiences as well, particularly when child custody issues are involved. Some tips may help to make the divorce process easier for a child to cope with in the state of Massachusetts.
Remaining in communication with children who are going through divorce is paramount. Still, it is important to make sure that any conversation held with a child is appropriate for his or her age. It is common for children who are going to school to ask when they will be able to see the other parent.
It is also beneficial to maintain consistency during the divorce as much as possible. Keeping routines can be extremely comforting to children. This may mean keeping the children in the same school or after-care program as well as the same activities if possible. This is not always possible if the children have to change households; the more consistency there is, the safer a child will feel.
If two parents in Massachusetts are able to work together to create a parenting plan during divorce mediation or negotiation, they can address child custody disputes without further court intrusion. If they cannot resolve such disputes, a court will end up making child custody decisions, keeping the best interests of the children in mind. In this situation, the parents’ personal differences, parenting philosophies, convenience and personal preferences will be secondary to the focus on the best interests of the children.
Source:Â good4utah.com, “Talking your Children Through Divorce”, Surae Chinn, Feb. 28, 2017