Once you decide to get divorced, one of your biggest concerns is how your children will cope with this major life change. Many couples in the U.S. also struggle with this situation every year.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in the U.S., 630,505 couples divorced or annulled their marriages in 2020. As you try to create a custody plan with your ex, there are several steps you can take to ensure your children remain the priority.
Encourage a relationship with your former spouse
Even though you may no longer want a relationship with your ex, this does not necessarily hold true for your children. Encourage your kids to foster a relationship with their other parent and never sabotage this relationship out of spite or anger.
Remain impartial around your children
You may feel tempted to turn your kids against your ex as you move through the child custody process. Although it can be difficult, never speak negatively about your former spouse in front of your children.
Keep an open mind
You might already have an idea of what your child custody arrangement should look like, but this may not be in the best interests of your kids. Try and put your own preferences to the side and consider what your children truly need.
Especially when your divorce is not amicable, it can be difficult to come to the child custody process with a calm and open mind. However, remaining flexible and putting your children first can help them adjust to this new phase of their lives.
