For couples, divorce, especially due to a dysfunctional marriage, is an opportunity to turn on a new leaf. That said, it’s no secret that divorce is an undeniable disruption to the familiar rhythm of family life. Children may especially feel the effects of this sudden shift because, for them, divorce may lead to a feeling that their family has been completely dismantled.
Bearing this in mind, divorcing parents may wonder whether their kids should continue to stay in the family home or if moving into a new home can do them some good. The family home is a familiar residence, while a new home can provide a neutral environment for the kids to create new memories. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, and the best choice depends on a variety of factors impacting both the parents and the children in any particular family.
Stability and familiarity
The prime incentive to keep children in their family home is to help ensure continuity during such a life-altering transition. Allowing the kids to stay in familiar environments during this significant upheaval in their lives may provide a sense of security. They can find solace in the memories that their familiar home stimulates. It can also help them feel a sense of belonging at a time when the family unit as they know it is being rearranged. Moreover, staying in the family home means:
- They don’t have to transfer to a new school
- They don’t have to leave their friends behind
- They can participate in familiar extracurricular activities
Minimizing change for the kids can contribute to a sense of normalcy at a time when many things don’t seem to make sense.
A fresh start and turning on a new leaf
Moving to a new home may be ideal if the marriage was turbulent even for the kids. A fresh start may be necessary to distance the children from a painful past they may need time to heal from. A new environment can help break away from the memories and associations tied to the marriage and divorce, potentially facilitating emotional healing. For parents, a new home can represent a clean slate, free from the emotional weight of the marital home.
Ultimately, whether children should stay in the family home after a divorce or move with their parent to new homes will depend on each family’s unique situation. With the guidance of a reliable legal group, divorcing parents can weigh the pros and cons of both options and arrive at a decision that prioritizes the well-being of the kids.
