Those who have been through a divorce or separation know how tough the ordeal is on the whole family.
There’s often tremendous guilt on the part of the parents as they worry about the effects a divorce or legal separation will have on their children.
Coming to a custody arrangement can be particularly difficult for all parties.
However, an interesting new study has found that a shared custody agreement is the least stressful option for children in general.
A research team from Stockholm University surveyed 807 children and their parents in various living arrangements.
The children were surveyed on their stress levels and the quality of their relationship with their parents. The parents were asked how well they get along with their ex-partner.
Researchers found that kids living with only one parent, were more likely to experience stress, several times a week, than those who divided their time between two households.
What was even more fascinating was that these results were consistent even in households where the parents did not have a good relationship with each other prior to the break-up and even when the child reported not getting on with one of their parents.
Researchers believe that living with both parents allows the child to have an "active relationship" with each parent – something that has been linked to overall well-being.
For the purposes of the study, the researchers distinguished between shared legal custody where both parents make decisions about the child’s welfare, education and general upbringing and shared physical custody.
Children who only lived with one parent were more likely to report feeling stressed several times a week than those who lived with two parents.
They believe children who live solely with one parent “lose resources like relatives, friends, and money”.
Although in the past there has been a prevailing belief that children of divorced or separated parents suffer from going back and forth between homes, this study appears to contradict that.
Study co-author Jani Turunen said: "Living with both parents does not mean instability for the children.
"It's just an adaptation to another housing situation, where regular relocation and a good contact with both parents equals stability".
What do you think mums? Let us know your thoughts.
