Is it better for kids to stay in an unhappy marriage or for parents to divorce?

Is it better for kids to stay in an unhappy marriage or for parents to divorce?

Unfortunately, many couples have to grapple with the emotionally difficult question of whether to stay in an unhappy marriage for the sake of the children or go their separate ways. 

Staying together can certainly provide children with a degree of stability while maintaining their family routines. However, deciding to continue in an acrimonious relationship with bickering and arguments can certainly affect a child’s emotional well-being.

While it’s difficult to generalise about relationships within marriage and how parents interact with each other in the presence of their children, it makes perfect sense that a child’s happiness is directly related to the happiness of their parents. It is very important to realise that children are extremely perceptive and can feel the tension between their parents, even when it is not explicitly expressed. 

Getting a divorce 

While divorce can be very disruptive to family life and can create an intense and emotionally-charged atmosphere, in the long term it may offer the best way forward for a happier and healthier future for the whole family. 

Children will clearly find it extremely upsetting when their family routine is disrupted by the separation of their parents, but research has shown that many come to terms with the changes in family life. 

Of course, not all children will react in the same way and factors such as the level of conflict between parents, temperament and age will play a part. But for many, divorce might be a relief for children where they are free from the daily tensions of an unhealthy marriage 

Staying in an unhappy marriage

The alternative to divorce is for parents to stay together in a toxic relationship which could have some profound implications for children. For example, they may grow up unconsciously thinking that dysfunctional relationships are normal which ultimately could negatively impact their future relationships and general well-being. Another option is to separate without getting a divorce. 

Reduce the negative impact

If divorce is the only solution to an unhappy relationship, it’s important to manage the situation very carefully so that the impact on children is minimised. This can be done by remaining pleasant to each other and avoiding constant arguing or speaking negatively about the other parent in front of the children. 

It is important for parents to think not just about themselves, but to give high priority to the well-being of the children by thinking about their long-term development and health. If at all possible, it is helpful if both parents communicate rationally with each other and prioritise the needs of their children. 

How Can GloverPriest Help?

At GloverPriest, we provide friendly and transparent family law advice. If you would like further help on child arrangements or divorce, please don’t hesitate to speak to one of our expert family lawyers today. Complete our enquiry form.

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