Child-Centered Divorce; Focuses on Kid’s Needs

by Abigail Knowles Wolfe (BPRW)

Divorce can be particularly difficult for children whose parents announce suddenly that they are to split and in this nation of soaring divorce rates it’s no wonder that that topic is so widely discussed. Too often it seems, parents caught up in their own emotions, sense of loss or frustration, use their children as bargaining chips in a game of who is right or wrong; mom or dad. Children’s need should be put first however when going through such times to ensure that the child or children of a family going through transition realize that they are loved and that the divorce has nothing to do with anything they said or did.

July is National Child-Centered Divorce Month and will witness professionals from various fields coming together to share important parenting messages to help parents put their kid’s needs first when making decisions related to divorce or separation. Therapists, educators, attorneys, the clergy and even coaches will participate in this summer’s initiative, the second annual of its kind.

National Child-Centered Divorce Month was started by author and single parent Rosalind Sedacca to help create a positive parental structure for moving forward in the relationship realm while keeping the needs of the children involved in a split first and foremost. One of the most valuable parenting messages put forth is “Don’t Make Your Child a Pawn in Your Conflict.” Important messages to share with children include telling the child that none of it is their fault, both Mom and Dad still love them and always will, and that Mom and Dad are taking care of things with the child’s best interests in mind.

The statistics on divorce can be daunting yet outlets exist for making sure children’s needs are met. This July, and throughout the year, organizations and individuals are working to ensure that parents make the responsible decision to keep children out of their adult quarrels and differences of opinion and instead provide the love and caretaking children need to thrive.