Going through a divorce is an emotional process, especially when there are children involved. One of the most difficult tasks may be determining child custody and deciding what type of living arrangement is in the children’s best interests. A study released in the Journal of Family Psychology reported that children who are raised in joint-custody family arrangements may fair better than children who are raised in a sole-custody situation.
There are several reasons for this thought, including the notion that parents are often more inclined to have a positive relationship when they are forced to share children. When children are able to spend a significant amount of time with both parents, they are well adjusted, the study shows. Kids gain critical skills from both parents, which help them to cope with different life situations. Children who spend time with their fathers are found to have more successful careers, better academic achievements and have higher levels of self-acceptance. They are less like to show aggression and have a better understanding of their emotions. Long-term, children grow to have better marriages and have strong support groups.
Researchers stress that in most situations, it is critical that kids have a good amount of time with both parents. Fathers encourage kids to explore their surroundings, be independent and reach achievements. Mothers, on the other hand, provide a secure environment and teach equality. When combined, children have better behavioral, developmental and physical outcomes. Although there are some situations where children are better off in the sole-custody of one parent, joint-custody proves to be the best option for many families.
