Most Connecticut parents want the best for their children. You put food on the table, clothes on their backs and give them the best education you can. Sometimes, however, you have to do something that will make your children uncomfortable or sad. As some parents know firsthand, deciding to divorce can be that thing.
Divorce is never an easy decision for parents. However, many come to realize that staying together as an unhappy couple would be worse for their children than being happy and divorced. Some children, though are too young to understand this, and a recent study found that the younger children are when their parents divorce, the harder time they have developing a secure relationship with them later on. Because of this, it is important that parents help ease their children through a divorce and child custody arrangement so their relationships can continue to flourish.
According to the study, which surveyed more than 7,700 people, children of divorced parents were more likely to say that their relationship with their parents was insecure. The survey respondents were 9 years old on average when their parents divorced, and respondents who were between 3 and 5 years old when their parents divorced were even more likely to call their parental relationships insecure.
Researchers found that some relationship problems were related to who got custody. Unsurprisingly, children seemed to feel most secure in their relationship with their custodial parent, which in most cases was the mother.
As Connecticut parents work through divorce, child custody will be a major factor. While most parents know what is best for their own children, it might be a good idea to keep this study in mind. Ensuring that a child gets to see both parents regularly can help nourish and support a blossoming relationship.
Source: Medical Daily, “Divorce Early In A Child’s Life Leads To Less Secure Relationships With Parents,” Anthony Rivas, June 30, 2013
