Fortunately, there are positive steps divorcing parents can take to minimize the impact of these issues. Talking openly with your children and offering basic, non-threatening information about what's going on can help ease the transition and speed the healing process. It is important that parents avoid criticizing their estranged spouse in front of the children. Remember, no matter how good the divorce may be for you, it seldom seems that way to your children. Look to your extended family and friends for support and allow them to help you form a new family structure that works for you.
Support groups are abundant in every community and offer peer and professional counseling.
Asking for help is a healthy way to solve problems and resolve family issues. Mothers are still most likely to get custody of the children, although joint custody arrangements are increasingly common. Joint custody is the major factor in whether fathers stay involved in their children's lives after divorce. Studies have shown that a father who pays child support but doesn't have joint custody is likely to see his children, but for very short periods of time. Be sure to leave time to meet your own needs and applaud yourself when you meet one of your goals, no matter how small.