Parents considering divorce in Virginia often have concerns about how their breakup will affect their children. While your kids will go through some changes during this challenging time, you can protect them by working toward a beneficial Virginia child custody plan and by understanding their emotional needs.
One of the things that can seriously affect a child after parents’ divorce is the feeling that he or she is caught in the middle. There are things you can do to lessen the chances of your child feeling like they have to choose 1 parent over the other:
- don’t compete for your child’s attention or love by overspending on gifts or being excessively lenient with rules;
- be sure to communicate directly with your ex instead of getting your information about each other from the children;
- avoid speaking badly about your ex when the kids are within earshot because doing so will harm your children emotionally and can also affect your Virginia child custody case;
- handle your problems with the help of other adults, instead of burdening your children with information and emotions they aren’t old enough to handle; and
- keep the family relationship open and honest. Don’t ask your children to keep secrets from your ex or to act as spies for you.
By working together and keeping the lines of communication open, you can develop a healthy parenting plan after your divorce in Virginia.
Contacting a Virginia Child Custody Attorney
Our Virginia divorce attorneys care about your rights, the welfare and happiness of your children, and your financial security. Let us use our unique experience to help you focus on your goals for the future and your family. To learn more about divorce in Virginia, request a FREE copy of our divorce book for women in Virginia, or reserve your seat at our monthly divorce seminar – 757-425-5200.