Learning that their parents are going to divorce can have a great impact on Massachusetts children. They may have many different questions about the circumstances and be uncertain as to what it means for their living situation, especially if parents have shared custody. Child custody proceedings can, at times, be difficult for children and parents alike, and it is important that the situation is handled with sensitivity in order to ensure that the best interests of the children are being considered.

One way that parents may know that their children could be handling the custody conditions well is if they want to know more about the situation. Asking questions and looking for answers about the event could mean that the children want to understand the circumstances. By having a better understanding of the situation, children may be more comfortable than if they are left out of what the proceedings mean for them.

Observing a child’s behavior can also be a way to determine how that child is handling the process. If a child becomes spiteful or otherwise acts as if he or she does not want to be around one or both parents, it could mean that the child is not handling the situation well. However, if a child continues to act normally and still enjoys time with both parents, he or she may be handling the divorce in a mature and positive manner.

The majority of Massachusetts parents want their children to be affected as little as possible when going through divorce and child custody proceedings. However, big changes often come along in these situations, even if parents have shared custody. Therefore, it is important for parents to come to agreements that are best for their children and make sure that the children are comfortable. Such decisions, of course, depend on the parent’s specific circumstances.

Source: The Huffington Post, “10 Signs Your Kid Is Handling Divorce in a Positive Way“, Rosalind Sedacca, June 18, 2014