One of the primary objectives of an Indiana divorce is to make sure that it does not have devastating effects on the children. While it is impossible to completely shield kids from the impact of divorce, parents can take steps to further their children’s well-being.
Perhaps the most important thing is to maintain as much normalcy as possible around the children even as their lives are dramatically changing. This means that they should still have rules and structure, even if that now occurs in two different households. At the outset, each parent should communicate their expectations to the children so that there is some consistency. They should not relax rules or try to act as the “fun parent” in order to gain their children’s favor. That will ultimately harm the children more than it helps.
Parents should also make it clear to the children that they are always available if the children want to talk. They should periodically check in with the kids to see how they are doing and if they have any issues. This is understandably difficult when a parent themselves may be struggling with the stress and emotional upheaval of the divorce. However, each parent needs to recognize that the children come first and that they are of paramount importance. With that understanding, parents should be able to do what is necessary to keep their children emotionally healthy.
Settling a divorce on amicable terms will also help the children immeasurably as it reduces the conflict in their lives. A divorce attorney may help negotiate the divorce agreement and facilitate a settlement between the parties. This may also free up a parent to focus on their children’s well-being as opposed to being consumed by the bitterness and details of the divorce.
