Rhode Island law generally allows both parents to see their children after a divorce. Therefore, you will have a chance to retain the relationship that you have with them even if you choose to end your marriage. Ultimately, it may be better to do so than to remain in a toxic marriage because you think that you are doing your kids a favor.
Children know what they see
You may think that you can hide the emotional toll that a toxic relationship has on your mental health. However, your kids won’t fail to notice that you are constantly in a bad mood or that you lash out at them for no reason. They may also notice that you drink, smoke or engage in other bad habits in an effort to cope with your depression. It’s possible that they will want to engage in those habits as children tend to want to emulate their parents.
You’ll have more energy
Getting out of a loveless marriage will provide you with more energy to devote to your children. When you are sad or depressed, you tend to have trouble with even simple tasks such as getting out of bed or going to work. However, with a better outlook on the future, you’ll start to feel better about yourself and start to see a reason to be a better parent to your kids.
Your kids will be happier
After your marriage ends, your kids will be happier knowing that they can come home from school to a parent who is smiling and happy as opposed to in a bad mood. They can also feel better about bringing friends to the house knowing that they won’t have to explain why mom and dad are fighting or acting out.
Staying in a marriage for any reason other than your spouse makes you happy is generally a mistake. In some cases, it may be possible to end your marriage without going to court, and you can go through the divorce process without your spouse’s permission.
