Custody Access Issues

Many parents wonder how ending their marriage will impact their children. Children experience many feelings during this time such as distress, anxiety, anger, disbelief, fear, confusion, frustration, resentment, and grief.

Some common impacts of divorce that children may experience are:

 Blaming themselves for their parents’ relationship ending
 Worrying that their parents no longer love them
 Blaming one or both parents for the end of the marriage
 Increased mental health concerns
 Missing the non-custodial parent
 Lashing out at one or both parents
 Decreased academic achievement
 Struggling with the many changes resulting from the divorce such as switching schools

Parents can reduce the negative impact of divorce by:
– Co-parenting without hostility with your ex-partner
– Refraining from speaking negatively about your ex-partner in front of your children
– Not putting your child in the middle for example by asking them to choose between you are
your ex-partner.
– Maintaining a close and positive bond with your children
– Teaching your children coping skills
– Not depending on your child for emotional support