When you and your spouse decide to go your separate ways, there is no doubt that a thousand things are rushing through your mind. It is important to keep in mind that the courts will take the interest of your children into account. During these difficult situations, an Omaha family law attorney can support you and your children.
Sometimes, couples wonder if staying together is better for their children, but this isn’t always the case. However, your children will likely also struggle with certain aspects of their parents’ separation. When they do, there are signs to be on the lookout for and ways that you can support your children as they try to deal with the divorce.
Factors of a Divorce That Can Negatively Affect Your Children
In a divorce, there can be several factors that will impact your children one way or another, either positively or negatively, depending on how you and your co-parent handle the situation. These might include the following:
- The Loss of Stability and Routine: A divorce will most likely upset the normal family dynamic and can lead to shake-ups in living arrangements, financial support, and child custody and visitation schedules. This loss of security and stability can result in feelings of anxiety and uncertainty in your children.
- Conflict Between Parents: Children can experience significant amounts of stress and anxiety when they witness or are brought into the center of fights and arguments between their parents. It is better to avoid bringing children into these situations altogether and never allow them to act as the go-between for you and your spouse.
- Feeling Blame or Guilt: Quite often, children will internalize their own feelings of blame or guilt for the divorce, which can, in turn, cause further issues later. Take time to talk with your children; assure them that the divorce has nothing to do with them and that they have not caused it in any way.
- Experiencing Difficulty While Adjusting: Beyond adjusting to custody schedules, there are plenty of other changes that your children will have to become accustomed to. This can include changes in schools, neighborhoods, and friend groups. These might bring about feelings of depression and isolation in your children.
The Effects of Divorce on Kids
A divorce can affect children of all ages. Unfortunately, these effects can manifest themselves in several ways. Certain negative effects might include:
- Struggles in Academics: The stress and anxiety brought on by a divorce may harm a child’s ability to concentrate and perform well in educational settings.
- Behavior Issues: When a child experiences the divorce of their parents, this might lead to increased instances of defiance, aggression, and other such behaviors.
- Difficulty in Social Situations: A child who has experienced their parents’ divorce might find it harder to form and maintain relationships with their peers.
- Emotional Distress: Feelings of sadness, anger, grief, confusion, and fear are all very common in children of divorce. They should never be made to feel ashamed for having and experiencing these emotions.
Though divorce is typically viewed through a negative lens when considering its impact on children, there are some positive outcomes that can occur as well. These might include:
- Better Mental Health: If your child’s home life has been fraught with tension and conflict between you and your spouse, divorce can actually bring about better mental health for your children.
- Relations Improved With Their Parents: In cases where divorce brings about less marital conflict, relationships between parents and their children can actually improve due to less focus on the conflict and more focus on being present and attentive to the children.
How to Support Your Children Through Your Omaha Divorce
There are many ways that you can support your children during your divorce. You can start by ensuring that your child feels listened to and has a safe place to come to and talk about the feelings and emotions they are experiencing. Likewise, seeking out the assistance of a professional therapist can be helpful in allowing your children to learn healthy coping skills during this difficult time.
FAQs
Q: How Does the Age of a Child Affect Their Response to Divorce?
A: Age has a major role in how children will respond to their parents’ divorce. Young children will most likely be affected by the emotional tension they feel between their parents. They might not understand the full scope of divorce, but they can definitely sense that something is wrong. This might cause them to have outbursts, show signs of distress, or have trouble sleeping. Older children might struggle in school or engage in risky behaviors.
Q: How Much Does a Family Lawyer Charge in Omaha, NE?
A: In Nebraska, it can be difficult to offer an exact estimate of how much it may cost to hire a family law attorney. This is because there can be several factors that impact the final costs of your case. These might include the:
- Difficulty of your case
- Presence of any restraining orders
- Cooperation of the parties involved in the case
- Success rate of your attorney
Q: What Should I Do If My Child Expresses Negative Feelings Toward One Parent?
A: If your child expresses negative thoughts or feelings about your co-parent, you may feel tempted to validate these feelings, especially in cases where these feelings are actually valid. However, it is important to encourage your child to understand things from the other parent’s perspective and show empathy for their situation. This will help your child navigate their new routine.
Q: How Can I Address My Child’s Fears About Their Future During a Divorce?
A: If your child expresses fears over their future because of and during your divorce, there are several steps you can take to help build stability and reassure your child. Always encourage open communication. Allow your child to tell you their feelings, and tell them that they will be okay, you love them, and none of this is their fault. Maintain a sense of stability in their home life, and do not engage in conflict with your spouse in front of them.
Contact a Trusted Omaha Family Lawyer Today
Divorce is never a decision that is made lightly. You have likely already thought about its effects on your children and what you can do to minimize any negative impacts. At Stange Law Firm, our family law attorneys are ready to help you navigate your divorce. We are equipped to assist your family in easing into this transition. Contact us today, and let us help you.
