Every parent wants what is best for their child. However, the emotional roller coaster of co-parenting can lead you to say not-so-nice things about your child’s other parent.
When a divorce or breakup is acrimonious, the court will often gag both parties from attacking each other. But even without a court order, badmouthing your co-parent can result in a number of negative consequences. Here are a few reasons why you should think twice before badmouthing your co-parent.
Badmouthing hurts kids
It is quite easy for a child to get caught up in their parents’ fights. However, disparaging your co-parent, especially in the presence of your child can greatly impact their emotional health as well as their perception of the other parent. Besides hurting the child’s relationship with the other parent, badmouthing can also have a long-term effect on the child.
Badmouthing can hurt your custody case
Besides hurting your child, if your badmouthing is deemed to be a form of parental alienation, it can also impact the outcome of your custody case. For instance, if the court explicitly directs that no party should make disparaging comments against the other while a divorce is underway, and you go ahead and disregard this directive, you will likely be held in contempt of court. Consequently, this might impact the outcome of your custody case. Even if the custody matter is addressed and a judgment issued, disparaging your ex can be grounds for modifying an existing custody order and parenting plan in favor of the alienated parent.
Protecting your interests
Divorce can be a tense and emotional life experience. Regardless of the circumstances of your co-parenting situation, it is imperative that you safeguard your child’s best interests – and your own, by extension – at all times.