You have more to think about than just yourself as you move toward a divorce, and you know it. You love your children, and you do not want your decision to get divorced — which you firmly believe is the right choice for you and the kids — to have a negative impact on them.
An educational decline?
One thing you have heard is that children tend to do worse in school after their parents get divorced. This has been observed in studies, especially involving young children. These decreases in performance could have many reasons: Stress, anxiety, loss of control, divided attention, missed time in class, etc.
What you’re wondering is how you can help your children do well in school even after the split. Here are a few things to consider:
- Structure and routine are particularly important to kids. Try to keep them the same even after your marriage ends.
- If possible, seek a living situation for the children that allows them to stay in the same school and the same class.
- Talk to the children’s teachers so that they know what is going on.
- Work with your ex to set up rules and guidelines that are similar between both homes. For instance, one parent should not neglect to have the children do their homework while the other makes them do it.
- Show your children that both you and your ex still support them, love them and want them to thrive.
With the right focus as you craft your parenting plan, you and your ex can explore the options you have to ensure your children get a bright future.