The number of people affected by divorce has increased over the years, leaving many children with family situations that would not be considered traditional. When divorce plays out in a family, everyone is changed by the event. This does not, however, have to be a negative thing. Pennsylvania families that have gone through divorce and are now living with child custody arrangements have resources available to help them with the transitions and the lasting effects they may have.
Creating a child custody agreement that best meets the needs of the children is crucial for families going through divorce. In a time of great change and turmoil, routine and stability are much needed. For this reason, it is important to create and stick to a routine as part of the arrangement. This can be especially challenging for those couples that have decided to co-parent or work through shared custody.
Additionally, parents need to remember that this is an emotional and influential time in the lives of their children. Encouraging them to maintain good relationships with and spend quality time with both parents allows them to feel secure, rather than pressured to choose sides. Not allowing one’s feelings about the divorce to dictate how the child will feel about the other parent gives that child the freedom to work through this process on his or her own.
Determining which type of child custody arrangement two parties are going to have plays a major role in how their children are able to learn and grow from their experience. Obtaining guidance from professionals in family law can assist parents in understanding which agreement options are available in Pennsylvania and what each entails. From this point, the child custody agreement becomes the new routine and normal, allowing each person to adjust to his or her new situation.
Source: fox19.com, “How parents can help kids cope with divorce”, Dan Wells, April 27, 2016