We all like to think of ourselves as good parents. The strivers out there may think they could always do better, and that is likely true for anyone. At the same time, getting too caught up in the competitive parenting spiral can lead to doubts in the parents and likely mixed results for the children. Generally speaking, however, we have a good idea of how to get the best results out of a child, but we all can use a little help.
DIY Divorce -- you get what you pay for
Doing home improvement projects can be quite satisfying. Whether it is painting the home or adding a new porch, these projects can instill a sense of accomplishment and save quite a bit of money. However, there are certain things we should not do ourselves. While the temptation is to try and save money on legal fees, DIY divorce is something that many people come to regret.
Grandparents often step in when parents are addicts
The opioid epidemic has impacted millions here in the U.S. The issue is particularly acute in the South, which has the highest rate of opioid prescription and addiction in the country. Using census data from 2012 to 2016, researchers also found that the states with the highest prescription rates for opioids were also the states with the highest percentage of grandparents over the age of 30 who were raising grandchildren.
Staying connected to your children
Maintaining a close relationship with children is often the biggest challenge for parents during divorce. This is especially true for non-custodial parents who may have joint custody but are unable to be involved in the lives of their children on a daily basis, whether it is because they serve in the military, travel for work, work odd hours, or some other reason.
Addressing conflict during divorce
Divorce is a stressful time often filled with conflict. While we all like to think that we gracefully rise to the occasion in a time of conflict, that may not be true at first. People react to pressure in different ways, and sometimes those responses are not consistent with who they usually are. Suddenly, a logical and level-headed adult turns into a screaming or irrational person they do not recognize.
Setting boundaries and expectations after divorce
Parents may feel like their lives are spinning a little bit out of control at times as they adjust to their post-divorce lives. Nevertheless, it is crucial to the ongoing health of the family to remain consistent with your behavior as well as expectations towards your children.
How mental health issues impact custody
It is a given these days that parents are going to have joint custody. Family experts believe it is in the best interests of the children to have both parents active in their lives, but in honor of May being Mental Health Month, we thought it would be helpful to discuss how this illness can affect child custody.
Can divorce affect my credit score?
Divorce affects some of the most crucial aspects of our lives; it changes our family dynamic, divides our property and ends a significant relationship. However, divorce modifies all the little details in our daily routines.
Moving beyond feelings of shame after divorce
Divorce is one of the most difficult experiences many will face. Even in the best of circumstances where the couple works together to resolve issues like parenting plans and custody, determining child support or other thorny issues, there is still a feeling of mixed emotions. Some will no doubt be a sense of relief at putting the marital dysfunction behind oneself, but there can also be a nagging sense of shame.
