Most of the things you read about divorce tell you it will be bad for your children. That can place a lot of pressure on you to stay together for your kids, even if it’s not right for you.
The truth is divorce can actually be better for your children than staying together in an unhappy marriage. Here are some of the reasons why:
It can reduce their exposure to conflict
Watching and listening to their parents fight is harmful to children. Sometimes divorce is the best way to end the conflict. Just ensure you don’t continue fighting and arguing in front of the children whenever you exchange them.
It can let them see their parents as they truly are
Your children will know whether you are happy. They’ll notice if one or both of you are suppressing your personalities for fear of upsetting the other. If divorce allows you both to return to your true, happier selves, then your children will probably consider it a good decision.
It can teach them how to act when they have problems with people
Your kids will have their own relationship problems to deal with in the future, and how you handle yours can set an example for how to handle theirs. Showing them that tough decisions can work will reduce the chance they stay in a toxic relationship because they think there is no other choice.
Your divorce won’t be easy, but sometimes, it is for the best. Consider legal help to understand more about how to begin.