A North Dakota divorce has the potential to impact your child in many different ways, but you have some degree of control over how much it does. Typically, the more contentious the relationship is between a child’s divorcing parents, the more that child suffers during and after the split takes place.
Per Psychology Today, research shows that children suffer when contentiousness exists between their parents, regardless of whether those parents remain in a marriage or decide to part ways. However, children may fare better when their parents who do not get along decide to go their separate ways.
How parental conflict affects kids
Research shows that when you and your other parent fight on a regular basis, it makes your child become more likely to develop anxiety or depression than he or she would otherwise. When there is a high degree of conflict between you and your former partner, your child also becomes more likely to exhibit short- or long-term behavioral or mental health issues.
How to minimize parental conflict for your child’s sake
If at all possible, consider whether mediating or collaborating on your divorce might make sense. While mediation and collaborative divorce may cost you significantly less than a litigated divorce in the long run, these options may, too, make the whole process much easier for your children. Drafting a detailed parenting plan that dictates what you and your ex agree to when it comes to parenting may also help ease tensions between you.
Sometimes, it pays to get help dealing with your own emotions. Speaking to a therapist or trusted confidante may help you work through your own emotions surrounding the divorce. This, in turn, may help improve the relationship with your former partner.