Spring For House

Shared Parenting and Child Development

By David Spring, May 26, 2008

In getting my Master’s Degree in Education at the UW, I specialized in Child Development. Over one hundred studies have now documented the importance to the development of children of retain their relationships with both parents after divorce. This is why shared parenting is nearly always in the best interest of children.

I am greatly concerned that our Family Law Courts continue to ignore the bests interest of children resulting in about half of all children of divorce losing contact with one of their parents (typically their father) after divorce. This loss leads the child to a downward spiral of other problems including poor academic performance, heavier problems, school drop out, drug abuse, early pregnancy, criminal records and prison. Clearly the failure to help children retain both parents after divorce not only harms children, but it costs our State BILLIONS of tax dollars every year.

We do not necessarily need new laws to fix this problem. The Washington State Parenting Act (RCW 26.09.002) already states in part: “The State recognizes the fundamental importance of the parent/child relationship to the welfare of the child; and that the relationship between the child and each parent should be fostered unless inconsistent with the child’s best interest.” 

So the problem is really getting court’s to understand what the legislature already knows… that the best parent is both parents. I think the real solution is not merely passing Senator Kastama’s Shared Parenting bill, but also taking the money making racket out of divorces. Right now, there is a complex billion dollar business that feeds off of the suffering of families going through divorce and makes things worse for children rather than better. We need a system that focuses on cooperation instead of competition and that encourages both parents to work together for the well being of their kids.

I have written extensively on this topic and will be posting more articles on this in the coming weeks. In the meantime, I am interested in hearing your ideas on how to reform the family law system and improve the lives of children.

Regards, David Spring

Welcome to the blogsite of David Spring, candidate to the 5th District, Position #2.  David is a lifelong resident of Washinton, and a resident in the 5th District.  A former business owner, and educator, David is involved in helping to make the lives of families better.

Please follow this blog site and our website as we continue to add information to educate the citizens of the 5th Legislative District on the issues of importance in this election.