How To Help Your Kids Adjust To Child Custody
If you are a parent who is going through a divorce, it’s normal to feel worried about how your kids will adjust to the new custody arrangement. When parents fight and use their kids as pawns, it can be tough on everyone, especially the kids. Effective problem solving and good parenting plans help everyone adapt to the changes. In this blog post, Sarnacki Law Firm in Grand Rapids will discuss some tips for helping your kids adjust to child custody. Keep reading for more information, and contact our team if you need a strong, compassionate legal firm to handle your divorce.
Think About The Child's Best Interest
The first thing you should do when trying to help your kids adjust to child custody is to think about their best interests. Most people fall into the trap of thinking only about what they want, expecting that whatever they want will work for everyone else. Instead, ask yourself: What will work for each child and make them the happiest and most comfortable? Try to put yourself in their shoes and consider what would be best for them. If you can do this, it will make it easier to make decisions that are in their best interests.
Give Them A Say
On some level and in an age-appropriate way, it is important to make sure that the needs of your kids are considered and influence what happens with custody arrangements. But the kids are kids; they are not in charge and should not be pressured or bullied. If the adults cannot agree on how to shape the parenting plan in service to the child, there are processes used by the courts. Eventually, the judge will seek to know the reasonable preference of the child, if the court considers the child to be of sufficient age to express preference. That does not mean you should interrogate your children. There is a right way, and there are many very wrong ways, to seek input. Do not attempt this without guidance from an experienced divorce attorney or a counselor who knows your children.
Make A Plan
Finally, it is helpful to make a plan for how you are going to help your kids adjust to child custody. Having an experienced divorce attorney and/or a counselor who knows your children will promote a smooth transition and healthy dynamics. The parenting plan can include setting up regular visits, staying in touch through phone calls and emails, and making sure the children have a support system in place, as well as many other child-focused details. You know your kids best, so make a plan that you think will work for them.
Think About The Child's Best Interest
The first thing you should do when trying to help your kids adjust to child custody is to think about their best interests. Most people fall into the trap of thinking only about what they want, expecting that whatever they want will work for everyone else. Instead, ask yourself: What will work for each child and make them the happiest and most comfortable? Try to put yourself in their shoes and consider what would be best for them. If you can do this, it will make it easier to make decisions that are in their best interests.
If you follow these tips, you can help your kids adjust to child custody and make the transition as smooth as possible. However, professional assistance is most valuable, and it is important to seek the highest quality legal help. After all, this involves your children. At Sarnacki Law Firm in Grand Rapids, you will have an experienced, highly-rated divorce lawyer to assist you in making custody arrangements that are in the best interests of your kids. Contact us today to learn more.
