One of the most damaging aspects of divorce consistently emphasized by researchers, mental health professionals and family courts is parental conflict. When children are exposed to parents heated debates, badmouthing, insults and high conflict situations, they suffer tremendously.
Children literally view themselves as half mom and half dad.
Therefore if they hear negative information or comments about one parent, kids tend to internalize it as something bad about themselves. Despite the fact that your relationship as a married couple has ended, your roles as Mom and Dad will continue for a lifetime. Children function best when they are able to have a nurturing, supportive relationship with both parents. Even after your children are grown, count on holidays, graduations, weddings and birth of grandchildren. Parenting is forever and your children have a right to have both of you actively involved in their lives.