Sadly broken marriages are all too common in Maryland. While these situations can be stressful enough for the adults involved, they can be even worse for the children. Children are sensitive to conflicts between parents. If not addressed correctly, they can have a large negative impact on their development and mental health.
How parental conflict affects kids
Things like separations, divorce and even simply an acrimonious relationship can have severe impacts on children. This can lead to issues like:
- failure in school
- withdrawing from friends and social activity
- negative changes in personality
- mood swings
- lashing out inappropriately
- feelings of guilt
- depression
- loss of faith in things like family
- self-cutting and suicide attempts
- general decline in health
Unfortunately, parents are sometimes too self-involved to focus on the negative impact they have on their children. Sadly, this can produce some serious negative consequences. While family law mediation or counseling can fix some things, the parents must make an effort.
The solution of cooperative co-parenting
Unfortunately, the relationship may be irreconcilable. In that case, one of the best solutions is to implement something known as cooperative co-parenting. This allows the relationship itself to dissolve through divorce. However, it also allows parents to cooperate together on the decision making process for children. If done correctly, it can remove the conflict from the two ex-spouses and much of the negative impact outlined above.
Cooperative co-parenting must include specific elements to be successful. This should include:
- regular communication
- sharing of information regarding children
- coordinating schedules
- agreeing upon a visitation schedule
- working out a financial plan
- collaboration regarding education and medical needs
- a non-combative demeanor and professional relationship
Overall, many relationships fail. When they do, parents can become virtual adversaries. When that happens, it is often the children that suffer the most. If your relationship is destined to fail, make sure you end the relationship in a way that will best protect the mental and physical health of your children.