Separation and Divorce: Will It Harm My Children?

Many separating parents are concerned about whether separation and divorce causes harm to their children. Specifically, does separation and divorce cause children to become less well-adjusted than children with parents who have not separated?

Separation and divorce itself does not harm children. Rather “inter-parental anger and conflict are strong predictors of, and risk factors for, child maladjustment regardless of the family type in which the child is living: intact, divorced, or stepfamily” (Government of Canada, An Overview of the Risks and Protectors for Children of Separation and Divorce, 2015).

Children are resilient if properly supported by the loving adults in their lives. A main protective factor for children whose parents are separating is a strong relationship between parent and child (Government of Canada, An Overview of the Risks and Protectors for Children of Separation and Divorce, 2015). Therefore, a divorcing spouse should ensure that s/he continues to strengthen the children’s relationships with both parents, where possible.

As parents, consider that it may well be best protect children of separating spouses by:

1. Separating in as amicable a manner as possible;
2. Reducing inter-parental conflict throughout the child’s life; and,
3. Never involving children in the adult issues between spouses.

Should you wish to reach a family lawyer at Krol & Krol, telephone 905.707.3370 today.