Divorce is difficult for everyone concerned, but it can be especially tough on children. In addition to the stress of the divorce itself, children of divorced parents often have to deal with feelings of insecurity, anxiety, and even guilt.
According to reliable divorce counseling, it’s important to acknowledge these feelings. And it’s also important to remember that children are resilient. With the right support system in place, they can thrive after their parents’ divorce.
Keep reading to see the overview of the effects of divorce on kids.
The Effects of Divorce on Children
Divorce can have several psychological impacts on children:
1- Feelings of insecurity.
When parents divorce, children often feel like they are losing a support system. They may feel like they have to choose sides or that they are somehow responsible for the divorce. Children need to understand that they are not responsible for their parent’s divorce. They need to know that the are loved and that they still have a family, even if it looks different than it did before.
2- Anxiety.
Children may worry about their parent’s well-being or whether they will still be able to see both parents after the divorce. They may also worry about changes in their lives, such as moving to a new house or attending a new school. It’s important to talk to children about these changes so they can begin to process them and form a support system to help them through this tough time.
3- Guilt.
Some children may also feel guilty after their parents’ divorce. They may think they could have done something to prevent it or should have seen it coming. Children must understand that divorce is not their fault and that their parents still love them just as much as before.
When parents divorce, it can have a subtle effect on their children. While some children can adjust quickly and easily, others may struggle for months or even years after the divorce is finalized. The psychological impacts of divorce can vary depending on the child’s age, gender, and personality.
The Severity of Psychological Impact of Divorce
The psychological impacts of divorce can also be divided into three main categories: short-term effects, long-term effects, and resiliency factors. In each phase, you must be extra careful with the help of divorce counseling.
Short-term effects are those that typically last for six months or less. These can include things like sleep problems, anxiety, and acting out.
Long-term effects are those that may last for years or even decades. These include substance abuse, relationship problems, and psychiatric disorders.
Resiliency factors help children cope with the impacts of divorce and minimize the adverse effects. Some common resiliency factors include a strong relationship with one or both parents, a supportive extended family, and a stable home life.
So What Should Divorced Parents Do About Their Children?
Divorce is painful for every member of the family, but it can highly bring a solid impact on children. While some children can adjust quickly and easily, others may struggle for months or even years after the divorce is finalized. It is indispensable to be conscious of the potential psychological impacts of divorce so that you can help your child through this challenging time.
If you want more out of your relationships or feel like you keep hitting a dead end, consider reaching out to a relationship coach. Divorce coaching can help you figure out what is wrong and how to fix it. They have the training and experience to help you find success in your relationships. Contact Rich In Relationship today to get started on your journey to a better relationship life.