During the divorce or separation of the parents, children tend to suffer by being placed in the middle of arguments and animosity. Quite often parents will use their children as a tool to gain revenge over the other parent and restrict the other parents contact with the child.
Kabir Family Law have considered the impact on children of having contact with both parents and detail below the advantages of this on the children.
Children feel values when they maintain contact with both parents
When parents separate and children have access to both parents, the children are likely to benefit psychologically. Children appreciate that they are loved by both parents who want to be a part of their lives. This leads to children appreciating that their parents are making great efforts to jointly care for them despite their differences which lead them to separate. With the love and affection, a child receives from both parents they are more likely to be able to overcome the impact of their parents separating and are able to begin building a stable life. Children are emotionally better placed when in contact with both parents and are more likely to discuss their concerns and issues with the parents rather than suffering alone which could often lead to stress and cause children entering into bad habits.
Children can secure a better future by having contact with both parents
Where a child is restricted to having contact with one parent they are more likely to have behavioural issues, likely to run away and are more likely to engage in drug and alcohol abuse. Having contact with both parents can often be the solution to ensuring children secure their future and limit any behaviour which can damage them. When children are cared for by both parents following the separation, children will be required to spend time between two households. This will provide them with a sense of security.
This also means that children will be spending more time with parents rather than spending time alone which is often the cause of children going astray. Studies have confirmed that where a child has contact with both parents they are more likely to have a better relationship with both mother and the father which could lead to a stable life. Children with the benefit of having access to both parents are likely to achieve better results at school, are better placed psychologically and socially, less likely to smoke and abuse drugs and alcohol as well as being less likely to suffer from depression, anxiety and stress related illnesses.
Economic benefits having contact with both parents
It is a known fact that children who live with one parent without having the other parent in their life are likely to suffer financially and are more likely to enter into poverty. Having both parents in a child’s life can ensure a financially stable childhood knowing that both parents will be co-operating to meet the needs of the child. Children are likely to receive better education to prepare them for a brighter future ahead where both parents are able to financially support the child during their childhood years. Quite often these children are able to focus on their education in order to ensure they are able to secure successful careers.
Effective bonding with both parents can help nurture a child
Children benefit from spending time with each of their parents. Whilst constructing relationship with both parents a child will understand the importance of long standing trust and friendship. With the influence of both parents in their lives children are more likely to be able to adopt a stable social network of family and friends and are less likely to remain isolated which could affect their mental health and wellbeing.
Child contact with both parents can avoid parental alienation
Allowing your child access to both parents can eliminate the issue of parental alienation. It is known that a child has a right to have contact and access to both parents. By restricting contact, you are more likely to cause parental alienation which can have damaging psychological and emotional effects on your child and the absent parent. By promoting access, you are ensuring that your child is not deprived of their relationship with the other parent and can benefit from the life experiences of the non-resident parent. This will allow your child to gain a better understanding of their other parent and utilise their life experiences.
The law promotes shared parenting and access to both parents for a child
It is widely recognised that it is in a child’s best interest to have access to both parents. Shared parenting offers the following advantages to a child:
- Increased physical health
- Psychological wellbeing
- Emotional support from both parents
- Financial support from both parents; and
- A strong sense of love and affection from both parents which leads to a stronger family unit.
Parents should therefore try and promote a child’s contact with the non resident parent. A child with access to only one parent can express their anger in subtle and direct ways. Such children are more anxious, depressed and withdrawn. Allowing a child with access to both parents reduces the sense of rejection and loss a child experiences when the parents separate. Allowing a child continued access to both parents often results in a positive atmosphere for the children which carries long terms benefits.
Above all shared parenting promotes both parents roles in the child’s life. A child simply needs both of their parents which is their right.
