Divorce can be hard on children, but there are a number of things parents in Michigan can do that will make the transition easier. For example, it is important for parents to talk to children about everything from whether they think they are responsible for the breakup to encouraging the child’s relationship with the other parent. If the child is speaking negatively about the other parent, there should be a conversation about this as well although parents should withhold their opinions.
However, it is important for parents to keep in mind that younger children may act out instead of talking about their problems. Parents may also need to ask teachers and others who are in regular contact with the children how they are doing as well as looking for signs of anxiety or depression. They should work to keep a constructive co-parenting relationship with each other.
Parents should not put the child in the middle of their conflicts, including not using the child to communicate with the other parent. Children should not be told details of the breakup, and parents should not lean on them for support. Even if the breakup did in fact happen in part because of the children, parents should not blame them. Parents should also avoid letting children manipulate them with guilt.
Negotiating child custody and working together as co-parents during and after a divorce may be difficult, but it is in the the best interests of their children if they can do so. Parents may want to use a parenting agreement to address any potential areas of conflict. If they anticipate issues during dropoff and pickup, they can choose a neutral location for this to happen.