Families argue. It’s normal, and it may even be healthy if it gives each member a chance to air out their grievances so that everyone can work on resolving them together. However, when it comes to raising children, parents might argue unnecessarily and lead to divorce.
Even if you and your spouse have decided to end your marriage, the way you raise your children should not be affected. This is especially true when it comes to play time, as both you and your spouse should know your limits. Here’s why both parents should respect the separation of space while children are playing:
Children Need Their Own Space
You spend so much time communicating with a family law firm in Albuquerque, NM, discussing family custody and all the possible ways you and your former spouse could settle the case right away, that you forget one important thing — your children’s feelings. This doesn’t mean that you have to be with your child every second to know what they’re up to, however. When they’re in a playground, there are spaces that are for children only, and in these spaces, parents should try not to follow them.
It’s understandable that you feel worried about leaving your child to their own devices, but it’s this separation of space that will teach them to be independent and to solve things on their own. Your fears should not lead to coddling the child, as this may continue into their adulthood.
Children Need Downtime
During or after divorce, parents may want to double up on the attention they give to their children as a way to tell them that they are loved and will not be forgotten.
Know your limits, though. There should be a set bedtime and this should be followed, especially during school days. There should also be enough time for children to rest on their own. Not every weekend should be spent camping or doing strenuous exercises. Divorce is already stressful enough, and your child may still be reeling from it. There’s nothing wrong with staying indoors and taking it easy once in a while, though. Bonus points if you can relax with them instead of dragging them out to do what you want.
Children Take Cues from Parents
Most parents in Albuquerque, NM, share the opinion that family is important. As much as you want to be the perfect parent to your children, there is no such thing. You will make mistakes, and so will your children. What’s important is that children know how to react to negative situations in a productive way.
Think of this in terms of your child skinning their knee and you reacting. If you react to them getting hurt by looking worried, they will start crying because they’ll know something is wrong. React calmly and your children may get themselves together and continue playing as if nothing happened. Getting hurt is part of growing up and the simple act of letting your child get up on their own will develop their independence.
A divorce may make you feel like it’s just you and your children against the world. This shouldn’t develop negative habits in your children that they take into adulthood.