Following a divorce, it is important for children to feel safe and secure that their parents love them and will care for them. Cooperating with an ex-spouse may be difficult, especially if the divorce was particularly acrimonious. However, it is in the best interests of the child for parents in Virginia to put their differences aside and focus on the singular goal of raising their child.
Not wanting to have contact with their ex-spouse is no excuse for a parent to not be involved in their child's life. According to researchers, having a father figure helps children thrive both emotionally and physically. For fathers who are divorced this may mean making the most of any custodial or visitation rights they have with their child. By encouraging the child in their endeavors and providing them with emotional support, children may be able to better cope with a divorce than if their father is an absentee parent. In fact, keeping in contact with their child even when they don't have custody can be an important factor in their child's development.
Staying involved does not only mean being present at important events, such as holidays, birthdays, school programs and extra-curricular activities. It means being committed to their child on a day-to-day basis. This may mean having to make arrangements with a spouse to spend time on the phone or through email with their child. Some families may even find they are able to jointly attend major life events, such as a wedding.
Fathers have the right to be a part of their child's life, even after a divorce. Doing so is not only beneficial for the child, but beneficial for the father as well. Fostering strong relationships can help all parties adjust to their new lives following a divorce.
Source: The Huffington Post, "Absent Parents Get Involved," Sojourner Marable Grimmett, Jan. 6, 2014
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