THE AURIT CENTER Did you know, it’s not the divorce itself that makes things tough for kids?
Fifty years of research shows that it’s the fighting between parents that causes problems. We will explore how you, as parents, can make a positive difference as your kids adjust.
Imagine being able to affect how your kids adjust to divorce. Thankfully, you have the power to positively impact how your divorce affects your kids. Research tells us the first step is to find ways to reduce conflict.
“It’s the high levels of conflict that many parents experience during litigation that negatively impacts how kids cope during this transition.” (Rheinstein, 1972, as cited in Saposnek, 1998) |
Mountains of research about the effects of divorce on children shows that kids need closure on their parents’ divorce. And how do children get this closure? When parents choose not to engage in high levels of conflict during divorce.
Keep in mind that some conflict during divorce is normal — the key is your kids seeing both parents put negativity aside, and focus on what’s best for the whole family.
In this article, we will look at and compare the two ways people handle divorce: mediation and litigation.
In mediation, parents work with a mediator to reach agreements without ever going to court. The mediator helps them make decisions that are good for everyone, especially the kiddos. On the other hand, litigation is like a big court battle. Parents hire lawyers, and it can get really stressful for everyone, especially the children. Research shows that court battles can leave kids with emotional scars. How well kids adjust to divorce can depend on how their parents complete the process.
First, let’s look at mediation. Mediation is the way to get divorced without ever going to court. An experienced mediator guides parents to reach agreements on every topic. Parents stay in control of their children’s future instead of a Judge making decisions. Mediation allows parents to complete their divorce in a simple, positive and healthy way. While saving time and money, parents can keep conflict low and protect the entire family from harm. And it is successful, even when spouses do not see eye to eye.
Studies show that “parents who use divorce mediation have better relationships with their children than parents who litigate”, (Emery, 2004). |
Research shows that mediation emerges as the shining ✨ knight in the battle to protect the well-being of kids. Here’s why:
In the end, when parents work together in mediation, children are better able to adjust to this transition. You are not alone, your mediator is there every step of the way to guide you and keep you on the right track.
| Divorce mediation helps parents “better transition to their new co-parenting roles in a healthy way, which helps kids adjust” (Saposnek, 1998). |
Mediation helps parents realize that they can have important talks without erupting a volcano of conflict. This provides a foundation for healthy co-parenting and creates a framework for low-stress talks in the future. Having collaborated to reach agreements, parents are more willing to stick to decisions they crafted in mediation.
Your Aurit Center Certified Mediator is always there for your family. Even as time goes on and the kids grow, parents can come back to mediation to keep conflict low and re-address any relevant issues. Imagine the relief knowing your skilled mediator is always there to help you through any challenging times.
Now that you know about the benefits of divorce mediation, let’s take a look at divorce litigation.
Litigation is a process where each parent hires their own divorce attorney. Then, they then battle out their divorce in court. Each spouse fights to “win.” Parents are pitted against each other, leading to high conflict, stress, and hard feelings.
It is estimated that nearly “two million children in the United States over the past two decades have been caught in an endless cycle of their parents’ high-conflict litigation passing in and out of a revolving court door” (Sauer, J. J. 2007). |
Research shows that litigation can put children in harm’s way. Here’s why:
Research shows that when parents fight out their divorce in court, “litigation increases trauma and escalates conflict”, (Saccuzzo, 2003). |
We are led to believe – no questions asked – that divorce hurts children.
Well, guess what? As we have discussed, research shows that it’s not the divorce itself that’s causing trouble for kids. The real troublemaker is conflict between the parents. Children have a harder time adjusting when parents are in conflict. So, the answer to the puzzle of how to make things better for the kids is…. by avoiding conflict.
“A central cause of children’s poor adjustment post-divorce at five years after the divorce was the failure of the divorce to provide the intended relief” (Wallerstein & Kelly, 1980, as cited in Saposnek, 1998). |
When parents remain at odds after divorce, children are at risk. A healthy co-parenting relationship helps kids adjust. Without that, kids are left to cope with the divorce themselves.
It’s important to note that it is normal to have some conflict in our lives and not all conflict is ‘bad’. When left unchecked, conflict becomes harmful. So, how we handle conflict makes all of the difference. In mediation, parents practice new ways to handle conflict and gain the tools for healthy co-parenting.
Let’s take a deeper look at conflict that is harmful to children.
“When parents continued fighting after the divorce … children had a great deal of difficulty accepting and integrating the divorce”. (Wallerstein & Kelly, 1980, as cited in Saposnek, 1998). |
Kids are like sponges , soaking up information each day. This is why it is so important that they aren’t exposed to harmful conflict–whether it’s before, during, or after divorce. We must remember, and prioritize, our goal of filling children with peace, not pain.
“Children whose parents engaged in ‘high levels of conflict’ were found to be overly aggressive or insecure. Witnessing hostility between parents led to aggressive behavior in children for several years following divorce”, (Bricklin, 1995). |
When there is an ugly court battle, and memories of parenting fighting, kids’ can suffer long after the divorce is final. Parents must keep in mind that this suffering does not end as soon as the judge signs off on the divorce.
The Aurit Center for Divorce Mediation offers a simple mediation process that encourages open communication and collaboration. It focuses on the best interest of the children and guides and supports parents to reach agreement.
Conflict is “harmful only if the child never experiences the parents resolving it. When parents ‘compromise,’ children avoid the ‘poorer adjustment’ that comes from continuous ‘verbal attacking’”, (Camara & Resnick, 1989, as cited in Saposnek, 1998). |
Decades of research supports the idea that divorce mediation is a more child-friendly approach.
Studies show when parents mediate, kids benefit more in terms of emotional and psychological well-being. They have fewer behavioral problems, do better in school, and have healthier relationships with their parents. In mediation, parents create parenting time schedules that support their kids’ unique needs.
| The American Psychological Association (APA) endorses mediation, stating that it “can be an effective way of addressing child-related concerns, particularly custody and parenting plans.” It highlights mediation’s capacity to “empower families to create their own solutions”. |
Mediation is all about helping parents work together. It keeps everyone on a path toward a bright future.
The Aurit Center for Divorce Mediation offers a free online 1-hour consultation for parents to learn more and get answers to all of their questions. Give us a call today to speak with a Mediation Specialist.
To help you learn more, we offer:
To begin preparing for mediation, get your free Complete Divorce Mediation Checklist.
