If you made the decision to end your marriage, you understand that decision impacts much more than just you and your soon-to-be ex. This choice will have consequences for every member of the family, including your children. As a parent, you will want to do everything possible to protect your children and ensure that they have stability and security during this time of transition and change. Protecting their mental and emotional health is critical.
There are specific things you can do that will help you shield their mental health in the midst of your divorce. However, in order to do this, you will likely have to set aside your own temporary emotions and focus on what makes the most sense for them. An important aspect of this is providing your children with a reasonable and sustainable custody and visitation order tailored to their needs and interests.
Helpful tips for parents
Mississippi parents will want to prioritize the mental and emotional health of their kids starting from the initial conversation they have with them about their divorce. Research shows that a negative event can impact a child for the rest of his or her life, which is why it is important to minimize the potentially negative impacts of this process as much as possible. There is evidence that indicates divorce is easier when it is amicable and when children maintain strong relationships with both parents.
Your kids may also benefit from outside help, in addition to you and the other parent. They may benefit from connecting with a peer group, school counselor, therapist or other individual who can provide them with an opportunity to talk about what they are experiencing and help them deal with emotions in a healthy way. When parents do not prioritize the mental health needs of their kids during divorce, their kids can struggle with adjustment problems, depression and more.
A strong custody and visitation order
You can create a custody and visitation plan that will protect the interests of your kids and allow them to face the future with the knowledge that both parents will remain strong parts of their lives. If you are unsure of how to do that, you may benefit from seeking the guidance of an experienced professional who can assist at every step. While divorce is hard, it is possible to protect and preserve the mental health of your kids during this time.
