Divorce can be hard on the whole family, and it should come as no surprise that it is particularly hard on the children. While a divorce is pending, children can be affected by the tension and conflict between their parents.

They can also be negatively affected by the change in living circumstances and the breaking up of the traditional family structure. It is in every well-intentioned parent’s best interest to minimize the effects of divorce on their children. While it may seem inevitable that the divorce will be hard on your children, there are some things you can do to mitigate any harmful effects your child may experience.

It is often the conflict between the parents that most significantly affects children during a divorce. A good way to minimize the conflict divorce can have is to consider mediation instead of divorce litigation. Mediation is a non-adversarial process that can keep tension and arguments to a minimum, making it less detrimental to you and your child’s peace of mind. And, if your child can see you and your spouse reach agreement on your own, he or she may feel more confident about their new family structure going forward. Demonstrate to your child that you and your spouse are still dedicated to working together as co-parents. Taking your divorce to court can send them the opposite impression.

Talk with your spouse about using mediation to resolve your issues in a peaceful way. Both mediation and the open communication it necessitates can help your child prevail during such a trying time. It is also important to work collaboratively as co-parents to develop a parenting plan that will minimize the effect the divorce will have on your child. The parenting plan will set in place the guidelines you and the other parent will follow while raising your child. There are many factors to consider when drafting a solid parenting plan so it is best to have professional help when doing so. Consider working with a skilled divorce mediator to draft a parenting plan that avoids common pitfalls and looks out for your child’s best interests. A non-adversarial divorce, open communication, and a parenting plan that will facilitate amicable co-parenting can minimize the effects divorce will have on your child.

If you are going through a divorce and have questions about protecting the well-being of your children, Mediation Advantage Services can help you. Law Office of Polly Tatum is experienced in divorce mediation and can help you successfully handle your divorce through guided and non-adversarial mediation, sparing you and your children the stress of litigation. Based in historic Worcester, our firm serves all cities and towns throughout Massachusetts and Worcester County including, Auburn, Paxton, Leicester, Sutton, Grafton, Shrewsbury, Westboro, Northboro, Southboro, Holden, Sterling, Princeton, Worcester, Charlton, Millbury, Dudley, Spencer, Brookfield, Sudbury, Natick, Framingham, Hopkinton, Milford, Blackstone, Leominster, Fitchburg, Acton, Jefferson, Barre, Oakham, Cambridge, Newton, Marlboro, Lancaster, Bolton, and Hudson. Call our office at (508) 466-4734, fill out our online form, or email us at info@mediationadvantage.com today to schedule your Complimentary Mediation Success Planning Session. You can also sign up for our eNewsletter or download our free guide for more information regarding divorce in Massachusetts.