Going through divorce is already difficult for a couple, and has even more complications and implications for parents.
Of course, you want what is best for your child even in such a difficult scenario. To that end, it is important to carefully consider whether or not joint custody would serve as beneficial.
Improved coping mechanisms
Psychology Today discusses joint custody and its impact on children. Joint custody has served as a staple for divorcing couples for many years, and over these years, studies have shown the benefits it can have.
When comparing follow-up studies between children of joint and sole custody, children of joint custody seemed to develop better coping mechanisms from an earlier age. This included lashing out at peers less, having fewer trouble with authority figures and developing healthier relationships.
This also lasted into adulthood, where romantic relationships often turned out healthier, too. On top of that, fewer of these children suffered from addiction based disorders than children of sole custody, which could potentially relate to coping skills.
Improved mental health
Similarly, more children of sole custody reported having mental health struggles with depression and anxiety due to their parent’s divorce than children of joint custody. The latter also had fewer instances of trauma or stressor based disorders by comparison.
Joint custody is not accessible to every family. Some may not want to give both parents access to their child, such as if one parent faces accusations of abuse or the potential of incarceration. But for those who can make it work, joint custody offers a potentially fruitful option that could provide for a child well.