Why Is Shared Custody Better for Child Psychology in Orlando?

If you’re approaching a custody battle in Orlando, you may have heard that a shared parenting schedule is best for the psychological well-being of children. But why is this the case? Why do children benefit psychologically from spending time with both parents? What is the science behind this assertion? These may be important questions for you, especially if you believe that your child should spend most of their time with you after a divorce or separation.

Children Tend to Feel More Secure With Contact From Both Parents 

According to Psychology Today, children report feeling “more secure” when they have continuing contact with both parents after a divorce or separation. This inherently suggests that a shared custody schedule makes the most sense for parents who want to prioritize the mental health of their children. The actual science behind this is inconsequential if the children themselves report feeling more content.

However, there are a few theories about why children tend to feel better when they have both parents in their lives. Some psychologists believe that feeling of contentment is due to the presence of two distinct role models. In most families, this consists of a male role model and a female role model. Both genders tend to play different roles in society and therefore teach their children different lessons about how to live happy, productive lives.

However, the importance of two role models is important even in families with same-sex parents. Each individual, regardless of gender, has a unique approach to life and can teach their children different things. These might include sports, academics, art, or daily tasks like cleaning and cooking. With lessons learned from different people with different perspectives, children may feel more self-confident.

Indeed, many children in shared-custody families report higher levels of self-esteem. They also tend to perform better in school and exhibit fewer behavioral issues. Again, the “why” may not matter so much when the average child clearly benefits from a shared custody arrangement.

Shared Custody Isn’t Always Suitable 

With that said, not every family is the same – and it doesn’t make sense to treat your child like a statistic in a psychological study. Sometimes, shared custody does not benefit a child. Sometimes, it is harmful. This could be the case if one parent has issues with domestic violence, substance abuse, neglect, and so on. If the child is physically unsafe with the other parent, it makes sense to pursue sole custody instead – even if limited contact with the other parent could cause certain psychological hardships in the future.

Can a Child Time Sharing Lawyer in Orlando Help Me? 

If you’re approaching a child custody battle in Orlando and you want to pursue optimal results, consider speaking with an Orlando child time sharing lawyer. These legal professionals can help explain how the court determines a child’s best interests. They can also help you fight for custody – whether you want to pursue a shared schedule or not. To learn more, contact Steve Marsee, P.A. today.

Sources: 

psychologytoday.com/ca/blog/a-better-divorce/202407/whats-best-joint-vs-shared-custody-vs-sole-child-custody#:~:text=Parent%2DChild%20Relationships%3A%20Children%20in,and%20involvement%20from%20both%20parents.

psychologytoday.com/ca/blog/living-on-automatic/201909/shared-physical-custody-what-children-discover-and-suffer

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7986964/