response 6-2

What are some evidence-based strategies that help minimize the effects of divorce on families? How effective do you think these strategies are for coping with the challenges? I sent you that article already

Good morning class and Professor,

Some evidence based strategies could be the family routine such as meals and work as well as play practices strenthen the structure. Sometimes a strategy used could be therapy. Back in the day joint custody was best for all children; however, today it is more difficult. Another thing that could be better is a no-fault divorce. This could be because a fault-based divorce can drag out more personal problems and it could expose the children in some way or another. Another to help children would be divorce intervention. Lastly, in order to minimize the impact of divorce on a child, a parent should not demean their ex-spouse. Co-parenting could be a strategy I would think. I feel no matter the strategy, the children will be effected by the divorce no matter what. But I am sure there are some things out there that really work.

Thank you.

Maria

“Divorce transition guides, trained professionals such as social workers, psychologists, and lay relationship experts, can consult with families in order to minimize conflict and counsel parents on the best way to talk to their children about divorce, as well as the best way to coparent after divorce.” (Howe, T. R., 2018)

“In order to minimize a divorce’s impact on children, parents must make a concerted effort not to demean their ex-spouse.” (Howe, T. R., 2018)

“Parents can use mediators instead of attorneys to negotiate the terms of divorce.” (Howe, T. R., 2018)

In my personal experience, being a child of divorced parents, these strategies can be very useful in minimizing the impact the divorce can have on a child. My family and I attended some counseling sessions that were helpful in getting everyone to communicate their feelings about the situation, it was 100% necessary that a counselor be present to keep everyone from constantly arguing, which is what would normally happen. I also feel that not speaking poorly about your ex-spouse in front of the children is very important. The child is half mom, half dad, so when one speaks poorly of the other, the child can think you are speaking poorly about them as well, at the end of the day, it is inappropriate to bring children into adult matters. I also feel that mediation can be better for families, this way they are able to negotiate without a judge making the calls,

this would work well if the divorce was mostly amicable, however, when people get vengeful, mediation is probably not the way to go.

Julie