When getting a divorce, many people feel isolated in their decision. The other partner may not want to get divorced. Children may believe this parent is breaking up the home and may cause them to lose touch with the parent who is not the dominant caregiver. This can make an already difficult situation feel 10 times worse.
With these difficulties in mind, Psychology Today asks if it is possible to have a “better divorce.” It asks divorcing couples to reconsider the tendency to develop resentment to each other and make a strong effort to keep things amicable. It points out that since half of marriages end in divorce, keeping things amicable helps to reduce the aggregate effect divorces have on children for years to come.
A better divorce involves the willingness to work through obstacles that arise without the need to involve the court system. It encourages both parents to continue to spend time with their children. Respect also plays an indispensable role in the success of a better divorce. All of these factors come together to help children feel as if they still belong to one family even if it is split between two physical spaces.
To achieve this, NBC recommends doing some research before every approaching the other spouse about the desire to leave. This helps people to better prepare themselves for what to expect based on the specific laws that govern their marriage in their respective states. Next, a therapist may help the individual to work through their feelings before, during and after the divorce. This is especially important in cases where the other partner much prefers to be bitter and makes an amicable relationship difficult or impossible.
