You’re completely checked out of your marriage and want to leave your wife, but you have a nagging fear about whether that’s really what’s best for your children. Many dads in New Jersey struggle with this difficult decision and are unsure of the repercussions of staying or leaving. Here’s what you need to know about how divorce affects kids so you can make your final decision.
Kids Thrive with Happy Parents
Researchers have discovered that the best way to raise a well-adjusted child is for their parents to maintain a positive and strong parent/child relationship. Sometimes this is easier said than done, especially if you are going through a difficult time in your marriage and are dissatisfied with your home life. You may also be contending with a spouse who is a narcissist or has another personality disorder. This type of parent will do anything to get their way, including creating chaos in the home. If you feel you would be happier and more present for your children if you were divorced, it’s probably a good idea to continue with your separation.
Having Two Homes Doesn’t Damage Kids
Some dads fear that their kids will feel “shuffled around” after the divorce and question whether it’s fine to split the kids’ time between two houses. These dads will be glad to hear that a recent study has shown children do not experience adverse outcomes when their parents have shared custody and they move from house to house. Kids want to spend plenty of time with both parents after a divorce, so they generally look at having two separate homes as a good thing. You may be worried about your kids having to move back and forth between homes if you get divorced, but as long as they have their own space at each home and get to spend plenty of time with dad, they’ll be just fine.
Putting Yourself First
It’s natural for dads to disregard their own needs and put their children first, but it’s not always the best choice. Sometimes you need to put yourself first to be the best version of yourself for your children. If you decide to proceed with a divorce, there are resources you can utilize to ensure the transition goes as smoothly as possible for your kids. Don’t stay in an unhappy marriage for the rest of your life just because you think your kids won’t understand.
If you’ve decided it’s time to file for divorce, contact The Micklin Law Group. Our attorneys focus on men’s and fathers’ rights in family law, so we understand the concerns dads have during their divorces. We’ll work with you to prioritize your relationship with your kids while helping you maintain your sanity at such a trying time. Contact our team to get started.
