When parents in Redwood City get divorced, the children may suffer the most. However, recent studies show that when both parents play an active role in the child’s life, the child is better off. Divorcing parents may struggle when dealing with child custody and support issues, but it is important to focus on doing what is best for the children, even if it means dealing with your ex-spouse on a more regular basis.
Experts have often debated about whether shared parenting is really in the best interest of the children. Some say that shared parenting often causes conflict and leaves the children stuck in the middle of their parents’ disagreements. However, a new study by a professor at Wake Forest University determined that this conflict should not play nearly as much of a role in child custody decisions, as parents tend to exaggerate conflict during the custody battle. Also, after a few years of divorce, the conflict dies down. So making a long-term custody decision based on temporary conflict may not be the best for the children.
Rather than avoiding joint custody, some experts believe that parents should focus on building their individual relationships with their kids and protecting their children from as much conflict as possible. Studies have shown that children in shared custody arrangements do better in school and are less likely to use drugs or become teen parents.
Overall, the quality of the relationship between the parents and the children is more important than the parents’ relationship with each other. If parents can work together towards a common goal of bettering their children’s future, the children and the family as a whole will thrive.
Source: Boston Herald, “Shared parenting improves divorce outcome for kids,” Gail Rosenblum, Sept. 10, 2017
