Your divorce will have a significant impact on your children. Even when two parents are amicable and willing to work together on a custody order that will work well and benefit the kids, the youngest members of the family can have a difficult time with this transition. There are things you can do to protect their well-being and ease the difficulty of this complex process.
One of the most important Texas parents can take for the benefit of their children is to remember to keep the needs of the kids as the highest priority. It is easy to become overwhelmed by the emotions you may be feeling, but it is not a good idea to make practical, workable decisions under emotional duress. Children are resilient, but parents should take certain steps to make things better and easier for them.
Simple steps you can take
When parents are sensitive to the needs of their children, it makes it more likely that the kids will be able to pick up the pieces and move forward. Some of the things parents can do to help their children include the following:
- Work diligently to maintain a routine for your kids. This helps them feel secure and can give them stability and peace of mind during an overwhelming time.
- Remain in contact with your children as much as possible, even if you are separated at the time. Through phone calls and shared experiences, you can stay connected.
- It may be important to remind your children they are not to blame for your divorce and reassure them that nothing is their fault. It is beneficial to ensure they feel loved by both parents.
- Remind them by your actions as well as by your words that they are your highest priority, by not becoming distracted by the temptations of spending significant amounts of time (that could be spent with them) dating new romantic partners and exposing the children to new sexual relationships.
With attentive forethought, you can shield your kids from unnecessary duress and emotional struggles during the period of transition. With your help and a fair custody and visitation order, you and your children can move forward to a positive post-divorce future together.
The custody plan that best suits your family
It may help to first seek a complete evaluation of your case with an experienced Board-Certified Family Law expert attorney in Collin County, Dallas County or Denton County, or elsewhere throughout Texas, when looking for a fair and reasonable custody order. This can help you better understand your legal options, your parental rights and the most appropriate course of action for your unique situation.
Divorce is not an easy process, and you will have to guide your children and provide support for them during this difficult time. By thinking of their needs and your role in their lives, you can be an invaluable source of support and comfort for your kids.