Divorce is Better Than Keeping Your Kids In An Unhealthy Marriage

A number of couples stay together despite their marriage gone bad for the sake of their children. They truly believe that staying together no matter what the cost is, is better for their children, than getting a divorce. While their intention is good, it can, in reality, do more harm than good. A couple should work on their issues, and do everything they can to repair their marriage. However, if nothing is working out, then, for the sake of your children, get a divorce. If a couple is not happy together, they will not be able to bring up a happy child. No matter how much you try not to fight in front of your children, you will not be able to keep your resentment towards each other from your children. Your behavior towards each other will be reflected one way or the other. Inadvertently, you both will be setting the stage for how your children will behave when they grow up to be adults.

The psychological and emotional scars that a bad marriage can bring to your children’s lives

A bad marriage is void of respect towards each other and each other’s family members, happiness, and cooperation. It hurts the children when they see their parents fighting with each other. It hurts them when they do not see them talking to each other. It hurts them when they disrespect each other. Children often get confused with their parent’s poor behavior towards each other. It makes them tense. Experiencing all this regularly will eventually cause them to develop psychological and emotional scars, which most of them carry a lifetime.

Continuing a bad marriage can affect your children’s future romantic relationships

When children see two people who have been in love now fighting constantly and disrespecting each other, it will hinder their perception on romantic relationships. This will affect their romantic relationships in adolescence, and in adulthood as well. By forcing them to be part of an unhealthy marriage, you may very well be prepping them for future breakups and divorces.

The behavioral problems

Children in high-conflict marriages often show behavioral problems, such as limited interpersonal skills, poor academic performance, emotional insecurity, low self-esteem, and so on.

So, compared to an unhealthy marriage, a divorce is the better option. It can bring peace to the whole family, and it can ensure the well-being of your children.

Getting divorced in California can be complicated.  Download our free eBook, 18 Important Things to Know About California Divorce to educate yourself on the process.  

Gerald A. Maggio is an experienced Orange County divorce and family law lawyer and family law attorney located in Irvine, California, serving the Orange County and Riverside areas. Mr. Maggio assists clients with legal issues including divorce, legal separation, divorce mediation, child custody, prenuptial agreements, stepparent adoptions, and other family law issues. Mr. Maggio has practiced law in California since 1999, and founded The Maggio Law Firm in 2005, focusing exclusively on divorce and family law matters.