When parents go through divorce, one of their biggest areas of concern is meeting the needs of their children. Specifically, they can easily become consumed with the issue of child custody. Here is a look at how parents can help their children to do as well as possible emotionally, following their divorce in San Antonio.
First, it is critical that the children of divorcing parents spend equal amounts of time with both parents. This is best achieved if the two parents live within 20 minutes of each other. The active presence of both parents in the lives of the children will give the children more stability and create less resentment, as the children may not be forced to sacrifice time with friends or activities just to spend time with the non-custodial parent.
Second, it is paramount that both parents following divorce avoid bad-mouthing each other in front of the children. If the mother speaks in a negative manner about the father, this can negatively impact the children’s intimacy with either one parent or both parents. Bad-mouthing not only involves using mean words to describe the other parent but also can take the form of using a critical tone of voice or body language.
The divorce process can understandably be difficult to navigate when minor children are involved. However, if parents can resolve matters like child custody outside of court, they can make the process easier for the whole family to cope with emotionally. An attorney in San Antonio can guide a divorcing parent through the process of creating a parenting plan that reflects his or her wishes and, most importantly, the children’s best interests.