Ending a marriage in Texas can be hard not only for the adults involved but also for their children. This is particularly the case for divorcing parents whose children are teenagers. However, according to research, parents can keep the lines of communication open with their children following divorce by using texting or FaceTime.
In a recently conducted study, the researchers examined data from hundreds of divorced parents with children ages 10 to 18. They evaluated three co-parenting relationship types: moderately engaged, cooperative and conflictual. They then studied how the relationships between the parents and the children differed in the three situations.
The researchers found that the parents and their children did not differ among the co-parenting relationship types in terms of parental closeness, inconsistent discipline or parental understanding of the children. Rather, the single thing that differed among the co-parenting relationship types was how much contact the parents and children made. The study showed that the parent-child relationship was better when the parent made more contact with the child, and this was true no matter how well or poorly the two parents interacted with each other.
When children are involved in a divorce proceeding, it is natural for tempers to flare between their parents. Still, the ideal situation is for the parents to tackle their custody matters during informal negotiations or divorce mediation, thus avoiding further court intrusion. This may ultimately make the divorce process less stressful for all members of the family. An attorney can provide the guidance needed to confidently and successfully navigate child custody and other divorce issues outside of court or at trial, if needed, in Texas.
