When going through divorce, it is important to consider the well-being of your children. As parents, you surely want what is best for your child, and the thought of putting them through a strenuous situation likely leaves you displeased.
Unfortunately, while there is not much you can do about the impact of divorce itself, you can take steps to limit the degree of negative effects it may cause. The type of custody you choose could help you in this matter.
The benefit of stability
Psychology Today lists numerous benefits attributed to joint custody. Generally speaking, joint custody allows for a notable amount of stability compared to sole custody. This is due to the fact that the living situation of the family in question does not undergo changes as radical as those who opt for sole custody.
This stability actually serves a massive benefit for the children involved. One of the biggest shared fears of children of divorce revolves around the notion of change and the fear of an uncertain future. Reassuring your child that they will still have both parents to depend on and see can remove some of that uncertainty.
Study findings back up joint custody
Studies back up these speculations, as well. Some studies have shown that children of joint custody suffer from fewer and less intense cases of depression, anxiety, and stress or trauma disorders. Other studies show that these children tend to develop better coping mechanisms than their counterparts who experience sole custody.
Thus, parents going through a divorce like you will want to put some serious stock into joint custody as an option. If you can make it work, it can benefit your children greatly.