One of your greatest concerns with your divorce is that it may negatively affect your children and their future. You want them to be confident and to know that you’re always going to be there for them. You want them to have positive relationships and good role models.
Unfortunately, you don’t see yourself or your spouse as a good role model right now. You’re constantly fighting about your divorce and have seen your child witness you at your worst. You want that to end so that they can grow up in a better environment. At the same time, you’re not sure which is the greatest evil, divorce or conflict?
Is Divorce Bad for Children?
The truth is that divorce can be good or bad, depending on the way it is handled and the outcome. A divorce that is civil and that results in less conflicts is more likely to help parents raise children who understand how to respond to conflict and rise above it.
Though a divorce affects many children negatively in the short term, the long-term goal is to raise a healthy, happy child. Two households that are stable and free of conflict are healthier than one that is constantly in turmoil.
Limiting conflict is the one thing you can do to make your divorce have less of an impact on your child’s life. If you and your spouse are going to argue or have discussions that could be emotional, then it’s a good idea to take steps to move those conversations out of the home and to a more private location.