Did you know that more divorce filings happen in the month of January than any other? This is likely due to the fact that people make New Year’s resolutions and some decide they need a fresh start. As a result, many divorce coaches and family lawyers call January International Child-Centred Divorce Awareness Month. The aim is to educate parents about the negative effects of divorce on children and to promote separation processes that minimize that harm.
Multiple studies have shown that it is not divorce that damages children, it is the level of conflict and the mistakes parents make around divorce that causes harm. Separation and divorce are incredible stressors in the lives of adults, rivalling the death of a loved one. So it is understandable that it is challenging for parents to walk through separation while continuing to parent effectively during such a stressful time. However, for the sake of our children, separating and separated parents must find a way to be their “best selves” and ensure minimal harm.
Helping children through separation and divorce means learning to work together and communicate as co-parents. It entails understanding the importance of children feeling safe and secure, encouraging them to love both parents. It means keeping their children’s best interests front and centre while keeping them out of the divorce conflict. For many children, it means finding a healthy way for them to have a voice in the decisions being made about them, without relinquishing the decision-making power to them. (See Rebecca’s video on how to incorporate children in the divorce process).
There are many resources available – books, websites and professionals, etc. – to assist parents in this important task.
If you need assistance please contact us!
NOT LEGAL ADVICE. Information made available on the Connect Family Law website in any form is for information purposes only. It is not, and should not be taken as, legal advice. You should not rely on, or take or fail to take any action, based upon this information. Never disregard professional legal advice or delay in seeking legal advice because of something you have read on this website. One of our lawyers would be pleased to discuss any specific legal concerns you may have.
