Children will handle divorce in a very similar way to their parents:
If parents remain civil, calm, and cooperative, their children will do the same.
If parents are locked in angry conflict, children will suffer as though they are civilians in a war zone or lash out with anger.
If communication between their parents is “icy,” children will suffer as though they are living in a deep freeze.
It should come as no surprise that parents have a profound effect on the well-being and behavior of their children. Parents are powerful role models for how to handle conflict and adversity. While this is an understandably difficult time for the parents, it is a very teachable moment for children that could impact their future relationships.
Parents who work through the Alpha Center program for divorce mediation understand that, although they are ending their marriage, they will be parents for life. They commit themselves to putting their differences aside so that they can do what is best for their children. Although it is sometimes a difficult climb, they choose the “high road” because they know how much it will benefit their children during divorces and for years thereafter.