Practical Parenting: Divorce and Separation

Creating Compromise for the Kids’ Sake



Divorce is tough enough on the couple going through it, but even more painful when children are involved. How do parents put aside their issues and focus on what’s best for their kids? We offer advice from those in the field – parents, social workers and an attorney who say you can find balance and harmony – for the kids’ sake.



By Tracy Peers Pontin


 


On Jenna Woods' first trip to Disney, her parents Tom and Sue (all names have been changed), like most parents, took lots of pictures, rediscovered the joy of "It's a Small World" and bought some outrageously priced souvenirs. Unlike most parents, however, when the day was done, they headed back to separate hotel rooms.



Divorced since 4-year-old Jenna was about 18 months old, the couple hasn't allowed their inability to live together to cause either of them to miss major milestones. "Tom didn't want to miss her first trip to Disney and I didn't think he should have to," says Sue. "So when I went down to Florida with Jenna for a week, Tom flew down to spend a few days, too."



When the couple realized that their six-year marriage was over, they didn't bicker over assets and alimony. They simply asked themselves one very important question: "What’s best for Jenna?"


 






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