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Study results that were released in mid-December 2007 stated that parents who choose to end a marriage are not less capable following a divorce. This study was conducted in Canada at the University of Alberta.
Researchers admitted that the findings go against the commonly held beliefs about what divorce does to children and to the parent-child bond. We are usually told that divorce shatters children and can really damage the emotional connection with one or both parents.
The study focused on three aspects of parenting: how parents nurture, how consistent they are, and how they punish their children. Researchers found that parents in solid unions and parents who had divorced both functioned in the same way in these areas before and after a divorce.
One of the head researchers did admit, however, that there are parents who do not cope well with divorce and that this strain will have a bearing on their parenting skills.
Studies or no, we all know that stress causes us to alter our behavior and the stress of a contentious divorce will have an effect on your children.
When you opt for a collaborative divorce, you are choosing a path that will give you a greater sense of calm.
I have to say I am surprised by the findings of this study. I wonder how long after the divorce respondents were studied.
It’s been my experience that parents take some time to settle back into a “normal” routine of bonding, consistency, and discipline.