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:
- Separating in as amicable a manner as possible;
- Reducing inter-parental conflict throughout the child’s life; and,
- 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.
