How children benefit when their parents share custody

Divorce means major changes to your lifestyle. If you divorce and have minor children, it may, too, mean you must adjust to a new custody arrangement. Spending less time with your child may not be your preference. However, you may find the transition to be easier if you consider how a joint-custody arrangement may benefit your son or daughter in the long run. 

According to Science Daily, children who spend time living in the homes of both of their parents, rather than living with one parent, exclusively, are less prone to stress. Research shows that this holds true, regardless of how well you and your child’s other parent get along. 

Possible explanations

Why is your child less prone to stress when he or she spends time living in both parents’ homes? Some believe that living in two homes means children have access to double the resources. Resources might mean anything from financial resources to other family members. Some also believe children whose parents have joint-custody arrangements feel less stressed than their peers who live with one parent because they are not worrying about how the other parent might be faring. 

Stability minimizes stress

This research about stress levels among children refutes a common notion that having to shuffle back and forth between parent homes creates an unstable environment for children. Instead, it shows that the benefits that come with having two loving, attentive parents outweigh the drawbacks that may come with moving back and forth between residences. 

Losing some of your time with your child may be difficult. However, sharing custody with your ex may help your child have a happier, more stable and less stressful childhood.