If you are intending to end your marriage, you have probably begun to brace yourself for the emotional fallout that often accompanies divorce. After all, you may experience anger, sadness, resentment, depression and many other challenging emotions. According to Psychology Today, your kids may have a similar or even worse reaction.
There are many ways to help your children cope with the psychological impact of your divorce, of course. One of these, divorce mediation, may be equally advantageous for you and your soon-to-be ex-spouse.
What is divorce mediation?
Divorce mediation is a type of alternative dispute resolution. With this approach, you and your spouse work with a mediator to resolve divorce-associated issues instead of battling each other in open court. If mediation does not work, you always have the option of pursuing a conventional divorce.
Why is mediation good for kids?
Even though your children are not likely to be present for your divorce mediation, they may realize some valuable benefits from it. Specifically, by seeing you work collaboratively, your kids may not experience as much psychological harm. This is especially true if you and your husband or wife present a loving and unified front.
How can mediation improve your children’s post-divorce future?
Divorce mediation is often meaningfully less expensive than divorce litigation. If you can save money when ending your marriage, you naturally have more financial resources to devote to your children. This may permit you to hire a therapist, provide a comfortable environment for your kids in your new home or pay for child-positive activities.
Ultimately, while divorce mediation is not an option for every married couple, giving it a try may insulate your kids from severe emotional trauma.