Going through divorce as a parent means you want to do everything possible not only to keep yourself safe and happy but also your child.
This is one area that you and your ex-spouse will likely agree on, at least. So what can you do to best support your child through this harrowing time?
Mental health and wellness
Psychology Today discusses the support of children after divorce through joint custody. Studies over the year have shown that joint custody has a big positive impact on many children who experience it, especially compared to children of sole custody.
To start, the children who experience joint custody typically have lower rates of reporting mental health struggles with depression or anxiety. They also have lower rates of post-traumatic stress disorder. When they do report such issues, it typically affects the child at a less severe rate.
Relationship health
In terms of relationships, children of joint custody often lash out less often at peers and disagree less with authority figures. This is due in part to establishing better coping mechanisms earlier in life and carrying this coping through into their adult lives. For that reason as well, many of these individuals struggle less with addiction than their sole custody counterparts. They also have healthier romantic relationships as they age.
Studies speculate that these differences stem from the fact that children in joint custody have more stability and structure. Their fears of change got alleviated due to the continued presence and support of both parents in their lives, which lead to the benefits that they can enjoy through adulthood.The post How can joint custody support a child? first appeared on Leslie L. Abrigo, APC.
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