Divorced North Carolina couples with young children often have a difficult time in parenting their offspring in two separate households. The differences between the parents that led to their divorce, such as communication, are still present. Adding to those problems, the children themselves are now in an unfamiliar and emotionally difficult situation. During this time, parenting skills must come to the forefront.
Divorce lawyers and other family law professionals often provide advice that is not necessarily law-related but parenting-related. This is because a healthier post-divorce environment leads to improved child rearing. One recommendation is that there is a uniform set of rules for both households that the children are subject to.
At times, they may recommend the client take a parenting class, or seek the help of a therapist for either the client or a child. These recommendations are not to be construed as a dig at their client’s parenting abilities. Divorced parents are placed in a situation they haven’t experienced before and are unsure what to expect. The therapist, the mediator or the instructor of the parenting class has seen most of the problems before and usually are aware of which method works and which method doesn’t. The parent should look at the recommendation as a form of continued education.
Most divorce attorneys will agree that communication and a bit of cooperation is the best road to success in post-divorce parenting. Establishing consistent rules leads to less confusion and less hostility for the children. If communication was difficult in the past, most suggest alternate means of communicating. For instance, if face to face meetings have been unfruitful, text messages and emails may be more effective. In the end, better communication will lead to better parenting and fewer appearances before a family law judge.