A Guide to Shielding Children From Divorce
Divorce is a complicated and often painful process for all involved parties. However, it is especially difficult for children who may struggle to understand the changes happening in their lives. Shielding children from divorce is critical to ensuring they feel secure, loved and supported during this challenging time. In this article, we’ll explore why it’s important to shield children from divorce and how parents can work together to make the process as smooth as possible for their children.
The Importance of Both Parents and Marriage
Firstly divorce should never be the first option when a marriage hits a rough patch. Before considering divorce, it’s essential to explore alternative solutions that could help to save the marriage. For example, couples can attend marriage-focused counselling, read books on improving their relationship and more. Read our story “Divorce Shouldn’t be the 1st Answer: But What Causes It to be the 1st” for more on this.
And by working on the marriage, parents can shield their children from the harmful effects of divorce and create a stable and loving family environment because marriage is an essential component of a healthy family unit. It is the building block of society. Children thrive in stable and supportive environments that provide them with the emotional and physical security they need to grow and develop. It provides a framework for shared responsibility, mutual support and commitment. When parents are committed to each other and their family, it creates a sense of security and stability that children need to thrive. Both parents play a crucial role in providing this stability and security and have unique contributions to make in their children’s lives.
However, in cases where severe neglect or abuse is involved, divorce may be the best option to ensure the safety and well-being of all family members. In such cases, it’s crucial to prioritise the safety of children and seek professional help and support to navigate the divorce process.
The Effects of Divorce on Children
Divorce can have significant and long-lasting effects on children’s emotional and psychological well-being. Children of divorced parents may experience anxiety, depression and behavioural problems. They may struggle with trust issues, have difficulty forming relationships and may struggle with academic performance. Children of divorced parents may also be more likely to engage in risky behaviours such as drug use and delinquency.
According to the National Library of Medicine, children of divorced parents are more likely to experience a range of negative outcomes, including:
- Lower academic achievement
- Higher rates of delinquency and behaviour problems
- Lower self-esteem
- Higher rates of depression and anxiety
- Difficulty forming and maintaining relationships
- Higher rates of substance abuse
Read the full report 🡲 “The impact of family structure on the health of children: Effects of divorce”.
How to Shield Children from Divorce if you decide to go through with it:
While divorce can be a challenging and emotional process, there are steps parents can take to shield their children from the damaging effects. Here are some strategies parents can use to help their children cope with divorce:
- Keep Communication Open: It’s essential to keep communication open with your children throughout the divorce process. Encourage them to ask questions, express their feelings and listen to their concerns without judgment.
- Maintain Routines: Children thrive on routine and stability. Try to maintain familiar routines, such as mealtimes and bedtime routines, to give your children stability and consistency.
- Avoid Conflict: Conflict between parents can be especially damaging for children. Avoid arguing or speaking negatively about your ex-partner in front of your children.
- Provide Reassurance: Let your children know that they are loved and supported and that the divorce is not their fault. Reassure them that both parents will continue to be involved in their lives.
- Seek Support: Divorce can also be a challenging and emotional process for parents. Seek support from friends, family, or a therapist to help you cope with the stress and emotions of the divorce process.
To conclude:
Shielding children from the negative effects of divorce starts with working on the marriage and exploring alternative solutions before considering it as an option. In many cases, divorce can be avoided by working on the marriage and seeking help from marriage-focused professionals and resources that can help parents to create a stable and loving family environment that supports the growth and development of their children. Couples can try to identify the root causes of their marital problems and work together to address them. Communication is vital and both partners must be willing to listen to each other and work together to find solutions.
Remember, divorce does not have to be the end of the family unit. With patience, understanding and compassion, families can successfully navigate the challenges of marriage and create a new, stable and loving family dynamic.
However, if divorce is the couple's decision, then by keeping communication open, maintaining routines, avoiding conflict, providing reassurance and seeking support, parents can work together to make the process as smooth as possible for their children.
Bible Ref:
“Behold, children are a heritage and gift from the Lord, The fruit of the womb a reward.”
Psalm 127:3 (AMP)“Therefore, what God has united and joined together, man must not separate [by divorce].”
Mark 10:9 (AMP)“Otherwise, your children would be left out; as it is, they also are included in the spiritual purposes of God.”
1 Corinthians 7:14 (MSG)
See our Linktree Page for recommended resources and help, and also follow us on Tik Tok and Instagram.
SUBSCRIBE to our upcoming stories.
