The Effects of Divorce on Children

While divorce is hard on splitting spouses, it is absolutely devastating on children. There has been extensive research done on divorce effects on children, and all evidence points to one inescapable conclusion-divorce can upend a child's life and affect him for years to come. There are ways, however, that you can diminish these effects.

Children need security and stability, and they depend on their parents to provide this. When one parent leaves the household, they may feel insecure and abandoned. These feelings lead to predictable negative outcomes. Children of divorced parents are more likely to use drugs, perform poorly in school and become teen-aged parents. They are also more likely to commit suicide, engage in criminal activity and eventually divorce.

Making Divorce Easier on Children

There are ways, however, to make the divorce process easier on children. Agreeing to work together with your spouse and raise the children jointly is the best possible way to mitigate the negative effects of divorce on your children. Be honest with your children and let them know what is happening and how it will affect their lives. Use age-appropriate language to give them the tools they need to cope with the new changes in their lives.

Divorce Counseling for Children

It can be helpful to seek divorce counseling for children who may be suffering from their new life circumstances. A trained professional can help your child work through his feelings in a constructive manner, helping him to avoid the usual consequences of divorce.

When it comes to divorce, it is not easy on anyone involved. Children, however, suffer the most, as their life is upended and they have no control over what happens to them. By agreeing to co-parent peacefully with your former spouse and undergoing counseling, your children can find peace in their new lives.