“How to Co-Parent after Divorce”

Fortunately, the last 40 years of psychological research that has been published concerning children who come from divorce has revealed that, in fact, it is healthier for children to grow up around two happy, loving parents that are divorced than in a home with two married parents embroiled in conflict. Specifically, 75 to 80 percent of children raised in divorced families are considered to be “well-adjusted” these days, indicating that two people being married is less important than other factors in the home, many of which we have control over if it is our goal to ensure that family members are happy and successful.

To that end, there are a few recommendations (listed below) from psychology experts on how to ensure that the home is a happy, nurturing environment. Remember that not only do certain behaviors help foster a happy home for your child, but they also affect a judge’s opinion of the parties involved if there is ever is a dispute over custody and what is in the best interest of the child.

Foster Cooperation

Fostering cooperation between two parents and working to eliminate conflict is one way of preventing the kind of damage that conflict between parents can cause in children. Cooperation is also a factor that local courts will take into account in determining what is in the best interest of the child (specifically, the capacity and disposition of each parent to facilitate and encourage a close and continuing parent-child relationship).

Use the Challenge as an Opportunity

Another tip offered by the experts includes using divorce as an opportunity for you to shape your home as you see fit; perhaps creating the kind of home life you wish you’d had as a child and using the divorce as a challenge to become a better parent.

Encourage Stability

Establishing and maintaining routines is a sure-fire way of making sure your child’s life has stability in it and can sometimes even be easier to foster after divorce because you don’t have to contend with another spouse’s opinion in your household. In addition, routines are another important aspect of what is in the best interest of the child according to Florida courts.

Creating Positive Memories

Ensuring that you create positive experiences for yourself and your child is also a good way to turn something that seemed negative into something more positive, like an opportunity to try a new activity.

Take Care of Yourself

Making sure that you take care of yourself is also vitally important.

Divorce in Florida

If you are contemplating or already facing divorce, contact the office of Sandra Bonfiglio in Fort Lauderdale to schedule a consultation and learn how we can help you. Our practice ensures that we provide compassionate representation and support to individuals and families as they go through the process of this change and any accompanying adjustments.