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Some of you may be thinking, "I'm better off just parenting on my own". If it is safe for your child to be with your co-spouse, you're wrong. According to research, children are better adjusted in several different domains when their parents have joint custody, compared to sole-custody. They are better adjusted in their relationships, self-esteem, emotions, and display less conflict. Therefore it is crucial to try to co-parent, for your child's well-being (3).
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Divorce can bring on immense amounts of stress and problem behaviors in children. Here are a few tips to help alleviate this time for your child and become the best co-parent you can be.
Be attentive to your own emotions
A lot of parents express feelings of guilt after divorce. If a parent does not forgive themselves, research found that it leads to lower levels of self-esteem. If you can learn to forgive yourself for the divorce you will have better mental health, therefore being your best self and a better parent. It was also found that depression and anger led to lower levels of forgiveness; therefore it is important to be attentive to your own well-being as it has a domino effect on your child (8).
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Parents should seek mental health help as soon as possible after divorce (8).
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Early intervention is vital when it comes to forgiveness (8).
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Talk with a therapist to work on feelings of depression and anger
It is important to regulate your own emotion's to serve as a role model for your child. If you cannot control your own emotions, how do you expect your child to do the same?