Michigan parents feel prepared for a divorce. The circumstances greatly alter the lives of everyone involved, including the children. Divorced parents often question whether their children will also inevitably go through a divorce. The answer to this question depends on various factors in the children’s lives and the parents’ divorce.
Intergenerational transmission of divorce
Numerous studies have investigated the intergenerational transmission of divorce. These studies suggest that children of divorced parents may have a higher likelihood of experiencing divorce themselves. This correction often sparks discussion about why these children experience higher divorce rates. The following complex factors may play a role:
- Your child’s relationship skills
- Presence of effective relationship role models
- Your child’s resilience
- The ability of your child to learn positive coping skills
Understanding divorce
To help lessen the chances of your child repeating the cycle of divorce, you need to ensure that your child fully understands divorce. This involves discussing the challenges of divorce. Other ways to help your child understand divorce include discussing the following:
- Importance of commitment
- Value in shared mutual support
- Importance of couples sharing values
- The role everyone plays in “restructuring” the family
Remaining respectful of the other parent
Fostering a healthy post-divorce environment plays a vital role in your child’s emotional well-being. Refraining from turning your child against the other parent nurtures the child’s stability and trust. Openly communicating, cooperating and emphasizing positive interactions between parents lays the foundation for your child to build healthy relationships in the future. Shielding them from toxic conflicts empowers them to develop balanced emotional growth.
Not all children of divorced parents follow the same path. Many factors contribute to a child’s ability to break the cycle of divorce. Choosing to prioritize your child’s needs over personal grievances allows you to actively contribute to your child’s long-term happiness and marital stability.