Want to Be a Better Parent? Divorce
So many articles and other media tell us that children deserve to live in a two-parent household. This is less stressful for the kids. But is it really?
When there are two parents involved, the typical strategy is that kids have to be managed, handled, and controlled. Once a couple divorces, though, that tends to change. Parents often see their children differently and instead of focusing on managing them, they spend more time with them. They have a better relationship with them.
Also, when parents divorce, there is less competition. They no longer have to struggle to be heard or seen. They have more time to care for their mental health. They are able to spend more time being a good parent, and children benefit from this.
There is also less conflict involved. Children no longer have to listen to their parents yelling and arguing. Also, parenting in private is more natural and easy. You don’t have to compete with the other parent. You are more deliberate in your parenting decisions.
You should also keep in mind that a divorce can create two healthy parents. A bad marriage has two struggling parents, which is not good for the children. Children pick up on negativity easily and know when there’s a problem, This in turn can cause them excessive anxiety.
Once a couple divorces, parenting may become easier. Instead of being burned out and stressed out, the parents see less stress. They become happier. Parenting becomes less of a chore when it is shared by both parents.
How Divorce Can Make You a Better Parent
Depending on how you approach divorce, it truly can make you a better parent. Here are some ways in which it can do so:
- More focus on the child. Divorce may allow you to refocus on your child’s needs, resulting in more one-on-one time. This can create a stronger bond.
- Improved emotional health. If the marriage was filled with conflict, ending it could lead to a healthier emotional environment for both you and your child, which can improve your parenting.
- Better role modeling. By making difficult decisions and prioritizing your well-being, you can model resilience and self-respect for your children.
- Collaboration with co-parent. In some cases, divorce can lead to better co-parenting as both parents might become more aware of their roles and responsibilities.
- Personal growth. The experience of a divorce may push you to grow personally. This may help you become more patient and understanding as a parent.
Seek Legal Help
Many of us are under the belief that children thrive when their parents stay together, but that is not always the case. Divorce forces you to share parenting responsibilities as well as parent as an individual, which can make you find a better approach to parenting.
Get help with parenting time and child custody challenges with help from Fort Lauderdale divorce lawyer Edward J. Jennings, P.A. Let’s focus on the best interests of your child. Schedule a consultation by calling 954-764-4330 or filling out the online form.
Source:
thecut.com/article/brooding-can-divorce-make-you-a-better-parent.html
