Child Relocation Essay
Carl Millward
MLLCAR030
PSY1004F
Child Relocation Essay
Steve Harding
Group 17
The topic of this essay is essentially the relocation of children after divorce and whether it is in the best interest of the child or children’s psychological development. I will be start with who decides which parent should gain custody, what should be taken into consideration, who the child is more likely to be attached with. Subsequently, I will view why I solemnly believe that relocation should be the last resort if absolutely necessary and the reasons it is not recommended. Finally, I’ll be showing alternative methods as to make relocation a lot less of a disruption to the child’s life. This usually involves a child and his or her biological …show more content…
parents undergoing divorce. My position in this topic is an against child relocation, and I believe in taking a humanistic approach. True that life has its problems, but we should pick ourselves up and search for a solution.
The whole decision as to where the child is relocated depends entirely on the child’s age and the needs.
This in turn will determine the duration of which the child needs to see the non-custodial parent and also his or her educational opportunities (Elrod, 2008). In the recent, more modern years, parents normally settle the case of who is given custody out of court. But if an agreement cannot be met, the choice of custody is handled by the ‘decision makers’. They are your judges, policy makers and custody evaluators that decide what is best for the child, which is especially considered when the child if he or she is still under the age of 6 as they do not know where they want to live. (Fabricius, 2010) It is best that parents settle an agreement themselves on who keeps the child and for how …show more content…
long.
When making a decision, the court will look at the individual lifestyles of each parent and see who is fit to take care of a child. Although it is argued that the father should be given more custodial rights as a father’s attention gives emotional security. However, this is contradicted as there has also been a relatively new article on Psychology Today that discovered through a survey that children that live with their fathers only are more likely than those with their mothers to become emotionally distraught (Darling, 2010). The reason for why this happens is still unknown though.
(Fabricius, 2010) There is also a vital factor to acknowledge about the child’s developmental upbringing, especially on a social level and that is the surrounding of intermediate family members as a means of extra social support. (Elrod, 2008) Another ruling factor they will address is the reason for the relocation, is it purely to get away from the divorcee or career related. It is likely that the judges will approve the child going with the parent that is more financially stable as money has proven to result in a higher quality in life. (Kavoussi, 2012)
If the divorce, takes place during the child’s schooling years and they can comprehend the fact that their parents are separating, the child will have a say in the matter. Regardless of who the child preference, safety and stability takes first priority. Most of the time, it is suggested that the child would remain with the parent who is not relocating as it maintains the child’s behavioural conditions as the environment is the same, which agrees with Behaviourism in the form that the environment governs our actions and behaviour. Unless the environment the child is in is a threat to his or her mental and physical health. (Elrod, 2008)
According to the article written by Fabricius, children will have an emotional attachment towards both the mother and the father regardless of their role played in the child’s life. (Fabricius, 2010) This may be true, however the evidence isn’t indicated as to who discovered this and by what means it was gathered. Generally speaking, there should be a balance as to who the child wants to see pertaining to the living arrangement. (Fabricius, 2010)
The argument is inclined more to the side against relocation as there are many complications faced with the upbringing of the child.
Research has shown that the distance causes adverse effects in the child’s ability to form affectionate attachments to people as it is a critical period in a child’s life. (Elrod, 2008) This is reinforced by a study based on college students whose parents are divorced gives relevant evidence that relocation is a bad influence on a child’s youth and more thought should be placed on the child when dealing with such unpleasant circumstances of marriage gone wrong. (Braver, et al., 2003)
In terms of physical well-being, relocation when the child is in his or her teenage years causes stress, resulting in health-related problems, mainly seen in females (Braver, et al., 2003). Since they are aware of the situation, they resort to developing adult-like issues such as substance abuse or trouble with romantic relationships as children learn to love from what they see from their parents.
On an intellectual scale, relocation damages relationship building, and in turn their mental capabilities as learning is nothing other that developing a relationship between the reader and the writer and putting your trust in him or her, believing what is being read is true. This I’ve gained through my own understanding.
Ultimately, some people cannot see any other choice besides relocating. So they should make the best of a bad situation. These are ways to reduce the inference of relocating in the child’s psychological development.
According to the author Grace Khunou, adolescents judged their relationship with their parents in a three dimensional view: interaction, responsiveness and emotional quality. (Khunou, 2006) This is simply a matter of time: the duration of time spent together, the quickness to respond and the quality of time spent emotionally. So the main solution to maintaining a child’s psychological development is spending quality time with the child when required the most.
The advised method is that the child should maintain a relationship with the non-custodial parent as it is important in the welfare of the child (Elrod, 2008) Judges should restrain parents from moving away, unless they remain in a convenient travelling distance to visit. As stated by Joan B. Kelly and Michael E. Lamb (K, Joan. L, Michael. E, 2003), the custodial parent should allow the non-custodial parent to always see the child unless the parent is known for an abusive behaviour, that would violate their right to see the child as it imposes a health and emotional risk towards the child
If the custodial parent doesn’t want the non-custodial parent physically around the child or the non-custodial parent simply can’t live in a travelling distance, other measures must be implemented in order to remain in contact. This can be achieved through the media by telephone or webcam video chats, of cause this depends on the family’s financial standing. (K, Joan. L, Michael. E, 2003)
A recent article on The New York Times suggest that parents should take the necessary time to figure out what personality their child has as introverts react in a more depressive manner at relocation than extroverts. To extrapolate further, parents must give their children a stable home and familiar environment and must not be moved until they finds themselves, or else later in the adulthood they may have identity crises. (Paul, 2010)
The fact remains from all the evidence provided, it boils down to point where the lawyers and judge will have to make the correct decision and grant custody to the parent from whom the child will benefit more from and that the other parent will visit regularly. From my viewpoint as a young adult planning to have a family one day and possibly marriage, I believe that a child deserves to see both parents equally and a wedge driven between you and your spouse should not influence his or her childhood development. Unfortunately not everything can be avoided, so the best should be made from relocating. Parents must never forget the interest of their child and get caught up in their issues as a failed marriage. There is always light, somewhere.
References
Braver, et al. (2003). Relocation of children after divorce and children 's best interests: new evidence and legal considerations. Journal of family psychology, 206-219.
Darling, N.
(2010, July 11). Moving is tough for kids. Retrieved from http://www.psychologytoday.com/: http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/thinking-about-kids/201007/moving-is-tough-kids
Elrod, L. D. (2008). A move in the right direction? Best interests of the child emerging as the standard for relocation cases. Journal of child custody, 29-61.
Fabricius, W. V. (2010). Custody and parenting time: links to family relationships and well-being after divorce. In M. E. Lamb, The role of the father in child development (pp. 201-212). USA: John Wiley & Sons.
K, Joan. L, Michael. E. (2003). Developmental issues in relocation cases involving young children: when, whether, and how? Journal of family psychology, 193-205.
Kavoussi, B. (2012, April 4). Money Improves Quality Of Life, Up To A Certain Point. Retrieved from http://www.huffingtonpost.com: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/04/18/money-improves-quality-of-life_n_1434073.html
Khunou, G. (2006). Fathers don 't stand a chance: experiences of custody, access and maintenance. In L. M. Richter, Baba: Men and fatherhood in South Africa (pp. 265-276). Cape Town: HSRC Press.
Paul, P. (2010, July 9). Does Moving a Child Create Adult Baggage? Retrieved from http://www.nytimes.com/:
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/11/fashion/11StudiedMoving.html?_r=2&
MLLCAR030
PSY1004F
Child Relocation Essay
Steve Harding
Group 17
The topic of this essay is essentially the relocation of children after divorce and whether it is in the best interest of the child or children’s psychological development. I will be start with who decides which parent should gain custody, what should be taken into consideration, who the child is more likely to be attached with. Subsequently, I will view why I solemnly believe that relocation should be the last resort if absolutely necessary and the reasons it is not recommended. Finally, I’ll be showing alternative methods as to make relocation a lot less of a disruption to the child’s life. This usually involves a child and his or her biological …show more content…
parents undergoing divorce. My position in this topic is an against child relocation, and I believe in taking a humanistic approach. True that life has its problems, but we should pick ourselves up and search for a solution.
The whole decision as to where the child is relocated depends entirely on the child’s age and the needs.
This in turn will determine the duration of which the child needs to see the non-custodial parent and also his or her educational opportunities (Elrod, 2008). In the recent, more modern years, parents normally settle the case of who is given custody out of court. But if an agreement cannot be met, the choice of custody is handled by the ‘decision makers’. They are your judges, policy makers and custody evaluators that decide what is best for the child, which is especially considered when the child if he or she is still under the age of 6 as they do not know where they want to live. (Fabricius, 2010) It is best that parents settle an agreement themselves on who keeps the child and for how …show more content…
long.
When making a decision, the court will look at the individual lifestyles of each parent and see who is fit to take care of a child. Although it is argued that the father should be given more custodial rights as a father’s attention gives emotional security. However, this is contradicted as there has also been a relatively new article on Psychology Today that discovered through a survey that children that live with their fathers only are more likely than those with their mothers to become emotionally distraught (Darling, 2010). The reason for why this happens is still unknown though.
(Fabricius, 2010) There is also a vital factor to acknowledge about the child’s developmental upbringing, especially on a social level and that is the surrounding of intermediate family members as a means of extra social support. (Elrod, 2008) Another ruling factor they will address is the reason for the relocation, is it purely to get away from the divorcee or career related. It is likely that the judges will approve the child going with the parent that is more financially stable as money has proven to result in a higher quality in life. (Kavoussi, 2012)
If the divorce, takes place during the child’s schooling years and they can comprehend the fact that their parents are separating, the child will have a say in the matter. Regardless of who the child preference, safety and stability takes first priority. Most of the time, it is suggested that the child would remain with the parent who is not relocating as it maintains the child’s behavioural conditions as the environment is the same, which agrees with Behaviourism in the form that the environment governs our actions and behaviour. Unless the environment the child is in is a threat to his or her mental and physical health. (Elrod, 2008)
According to the article written by Fabricius, children will have an emotional attachment towards both the mother and the father regardless of their role played in the child’s life. (Fabricius, 2010) This may be true, however the evidence isn’t indicated as to who discovered this and by what means it was gathered. Generally speaking, there should be a balance as to who the child wants to see pertaining to the living arrangement. (Fabricius, 2010)
The argument is inclined more to the side against relocation as there are many complications faced with the upbringing of the child.
Research has shown that the distance causes adverse effects in the child’s ability to form affectionate attachments to people as it is a critical period in a child’s life. (Elrod, 2008) This is reinforced by a study based on college students whose parents are divorced gives relevant evidence that relocation is a bad influence on a child’s youth and more thought should be placed on the child when dealing with such unpleasant circumstances of marriage gone wrong. (Braver, et al., 2003)
In terms of physical well-being, relocation when the child is in his or her teenage years causes stress, resulting in health-related problems, mainly seen in females (Braver, et al., 2003). Since they are aware of the situation, they resort to developing adult-like issues such as substance abuse or trouble with romantic relationships as children learn to love from what they see from their parents.
On an intellectual scale, relocation damages relationship building, and in turn their mental capabilities as learning is nothing other that developing a relationship between the reader and the writer and putting your trust in him or her, believing what is being read is true. This I’ve gained through my own understanding.
Ultimately, some people cannot see any other choice besides relocating. So they should make the best of a bad situation. These are ways to reduce the inference of relocating in the child’s psychological development.
According to the author Grace Khunou, adolescents judged their relationship with their parents in a three dimensional view: interaction, responsiveness and emotional quality. (Khunou, 2006) This is simply a matter of time: the duration of time spent together, the quickness to respond and the quality of time spent emotionally. So the main solution to maintaining a child’s psychological development is spending quality time with the child when required the most.
The advised method is that the child should maintain a relationship with the non-custodial parent as it is important in the welfare of the child (Elrod, 2008) Judges should restrain parents from moving away, unless they remain in a convenient travelling distance to visit. As stated by Joan B. Kelly and Michael E. Lamb (K, Joan. L, Michael. E, 2003), the custodial parent should allow the non-custodial parent to always see the child unless the parent is known for an abusive behaviour, that would violate their right to see the child as it imposes a health and emotional risk towards the child
If the custodial parent doesn’t want the non-custodial parent physically around the child or the non-custodial parent simply can’t live in a travelling distance, other measures must be implemented in order to remain in contact. This can be achieved through the media by telephone or webcam video chats, of cause this depends on the family’s financial standing. (K, Joan. L, Michael. E, 2003)
A recent article on The New York Times suggest that parents should take the necessary time to figure out what personality their child has as introverts react in a more depressive manner at relocation than extroverts. To extrapolate further, parents must give their children a stable home and familiar environment and must not be moved until they finds themselves, or else later in the adulthood they may have identity crises. (Paul, 2010)
The fact remains from all the evidence provided, it boils down to point where the lawyers and judge will have to make the correct decision and grant custody to the parent from whom the child will benefit more from and that the other parent will visit regularly. From my viewpoint as a young adult planning to have a family one day and possibly marriage, I believe that a child deserves to see both parents equally and a wedge driven between you and your spouse should not influence his or her childhood development. Unfortunately not everything can be avoided, so the best should be made from relocating. Parents must never forget the interest of their child and get caught up in their issues as a failed marriage. There is always light, somewhere.
References
Braver, et al. (2003). Relocation of children after divorce and children 's best interests: new evidence and legal considerations. Journal of family psychology, 206-219.
Darling, N.
(2010, July 11). Moving is tough for kids. Retrieved from http://www.psychologytoday.com/: http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/thinking-about-kids/201007/moving-is-tough-kids
Elrod, L. D. (2008). A move in the right direction? Best interests of the child emerging as the standard for relocation cases. Journal of child custody, 29-61.
Fabricius, W. V. (2010). Custody and parenting time: links to family relationships and well-being after divorce. In M. E. Lamb, The role of the father in child development (pp. 201-212). USA: John Wiley & Sons.
K, Joan. L, Michael. E. (2003). Developmental issues in relocation cases involving young children: when, whether, and how? Journal of family psychology, 193-205.
Kavoussi, B. (2012, April 4). Money Improves Quality Of Life, Up To A Certain Point. Retrieved from http://www.huffingtonpost.com: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/04/18/money-improves-quality-of-life_n_1434073.html
Khunou, G. (2006). Fathers don 't stand a chance: experiences of custody, access and maintenance. In L. M. Richter, Baba: Men and fatherhood in South Africa (pp. 265-276). Cape Town: HSRC Press.
Paul, P. (2010, July 9). Does Moving a Child Create Adult Baggage? Retrieved from http://www.nytimes.com/:
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/11/fashion/11StudiedMoving.html?_r=2&