Parental involvement is very important for childhood development. Children should have a stable environment where they know that they are loved and cared for by their parents. This can help them develop better academically, emotionally, intellectually and much more.
For this reason, some parents will avoid divorce because they think it’s always better to stay together for the kids. They believe that they are putting their children first, even if it makes their life more difficult. But this is not always the case. There are also situations where getting a divorce would actually be better, especially when looking at the long-term ramifications.
A high-conflict household
One of the main things to consider is whether or not the children are stuck in a high-conflict setting. If parents are constantly arguing or if they have deep-seated incompatibility issues, the children are going to feel the stress. Even if the arguments are never physical and so there isn’t a danger to the children, it can still hinder their development to be in such a stressful living situation.
What researchers have found is that many children in this position will have short-term negative reactions to a divorce. It’s difficult for them to adjust, and that’s inevitable. But, as long as they continue to live with at least one parent who provides the support and structure they need – or if both parents can provide this support as divorced co-parents – then children do not suffer long-term negative ramifications. They eventually do adjust, and their development continues as it should. This is usually even better than if their parents had stayed together in such an unhappy marriage.
These are a few things to keep in mind when considering a divorce. Parents need to be well aware of their rights and the steps they can take.
