Explaining child custody to the whole family

Nashville families going through divorce know all too well that the process usually makes little sense to younger ears. Those with children have the additional task of not only making new living arrangements, but explaining the entire situation in a way that is easy for young audiences to understand. After parents have navigated the process on their own, they can look toward a number of strategies when informing children of a new life chapter.

First, Psychology Today explains in an article on children and divorce that the approach toward a conversation alone is crucial. Explaining to a child that both parents will continue providing support is one way adults can ease into a complicated discussion. Many experts would agree that, when possible, shared parenting is ideal; stability is generally the top priority in these cases. Although individual living arrangments may depend on the situation, Psychology Today also states that maintaining relationships with friends and others in the community can make a major difference in a child’s life.

TIME speculates on America’s attitudes toward child custody and the varying opinions on ideal arrangements, as well as the mental and physical security of children during divorce. When it comes to a child’s wellbeing, TIME’s article highlights a 2015 study which showed that shared parenting is the top choice for most. The study also reflects the psychosomatic problems expressed in many children during a family separation. For this reason, it is all the more important to explain to children that a new living situation does not have to equate to stress. Engagement is key during every step of the process, and TIME points out that consistency is also a vital part of working through child custody plans. Every divorce may come with its own set of challenges, but approaching conversations carefully, explaining the situation and maintaining routines can help the children involved.