What advice do you have for divorcing parents to protect their children from the destructive aspects of divorce?
We consider it vitally important for each parent to encourage, even promote, the development or the continuance of a very loving, respectful, and close “parental” relationship with the other spouse. Each parent needs to remember that this “other” parent is the one other person who cares most for this child in most circumstances.
Neither parent should make or allow other family members to make disparaging comments regarding the other “co-parent” in the presence of the child. Be cognizant of the fact that it is both hurtful and confusing to the child for one parent to attempt to diminish the “other” parent to the child, as well as the relationship the child has with that parent. Each child should feel secure to freely and fully love both of his/her parents.