Everyone has their own opinion on divorce and children of divorce. Parents who have raised children after divorce could all share their insight and experience as to what works well and what doesn’t. Obviously, all parents and children are different and no two situations are exactly the same, so it would be impossible to say that one rule applies to everyone. In addition, if you ask children of divorce what they preferred, you would also get many different answers and opinions, especially as it pertains to their living situation.
However, according to a new study that was recently published in the Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health, when it comes to the living situation of children of divorce, there does appear to be one option that is less stressful than most. According to the results of the study, children who spend time living with both parents typically fare better in life than those who only spend time primarily living with one parent. While many people have long believed that children need stability and therefore should only live with one parent, this new research contradicts that belief.
The argument is based on the idea that when children have to split time between two different homes under different living conditions and rules, they will encounter much more stress. However, according to the study, which included data from about 150,000 children between the ages of 12 and 15, children who lived in nuclear families had the fewest reported psychosomatic problems. Researchers also discovered that children who spent time living with both parents after divorce reported a lot less problems than those children who lived primarily with just one parent. The researchers concluded that living with both parents and having access to both of them regularly was less stressful than living with just one parent.
Whichever side of the debate you’re on, this provides evidence that children can survive divorce when their parents work together to give them all the love and support they need. Divorce can be difficult for children, but they can overcome it and live healthy and productive lives. If you are considering divorce and you’re worried about your children, then now is the time to speak with us at the Law Offices of Michael A. Robbins an experienced Michigan divorce attorney. We can help you wade through the tough issues that you’re sure to encounter as you go through this process. Please contact us online today for help or call us at 248-646-7980.