Dealing with children during a divorce

Although divorce is usually hard for Wisconsin parents, the process can be even more difficult for the children. In many cases, the children involved feel that they were the cause of the divorce and have guilty feelings as a result. There are ways that parents can get through the divorce process while taking care not to cause anguish for children.

One thing that kids should understand is that the divorce is not their fault. In some cases, the kids may feel that they caused the divorce because they did not accomplish enough at school, that they refused to go to bed at the right time or even that they refused to eat dinner. Parents should be sure to explain to children that the divorce was not their fault. Both parents should continue to engage the children and remind them that they love them.

If the divorce turns adversarial, one parent may badmouth the other parent around the children. This can be damaging, as children take after both parents. Finally, the children should never be asked to bring messages between parents or act as a spy for either parent.

Because a divorce can be so difficult on the children, is is recommended that parents find a way to work together to co-parent. A family law attorney can help one parent negotiate with the other when it comes to child support and even visitation. If parents cannot work together, the attorney may work to ensure that the parent has the opportunity to continue to maintain a positive relationship and visitation with the kids.