Understandably, the divorce process can be incredibly stressful and challenging. When children are a part of the proceedings, the difficulties and tension can be even more overwhelming. The parents often see the impact that the divorce is having on their kids, as well. In Pennsylvania, the children’s best interests are the primary focus when child custody arrangements are being made.
There are many aspects that must be considered in deciding which parent is awarded primary or exclusive custody. One study that was published reported that children who are allowed to stay overnight at their father’s house develop a number of issues. This study claimed that children who are allowed to spend nights with their fathers are more irritable, insecure and stressed. Many people have used this study to argue that fathers should only get a minor role in the custody of their children, while mothers are allowed primary custody.
However, a deeper look into this study has shown that many of these facts are untrue. A look at infants and toddlers that are raised in traditional families and those that stay overnight with each parent has shown that there is no noticeable difference. Since evidence shows that it is not necessarily bad for children to spend nights with their fathers, both parents have equal opportunity to be a part of their children’s lives.
Fathers have typically been given less chance, especially with younger children, to have primary or shared custody. As evidence has shown, however, children who get to spend nights with their dads do not have more issues than those that do not. When parents in Pennsylvania that are getting a divorce negotiate the child custody arrangement, the best interests of the children is of paramount concern. Understanding all that such an arrangement entails and the different options that are possible can ease the stress and challenges of the process.
Source: The Huffington Post, “What Divorced Dads Want for Father’s Day: More Time With Their Babies”, Linda Nielsen, May 15, 2014
