The divorce rate in the US is currently 44.2%. Nearly half of all marriages end in divorce, and many involve children. Many people think that children are resilient. Although they are, they can still be significantly affected by what happens in their homes and their parents’ lives. Studies have shown that children of age7-14 who live through a divorce struggle with behavior issues. They may also experience school difficulties, low self-esteem, depression, etc.
Child custody is always one of the biggest issues in a divorce case. A child custody lawyer in AZ can help you understand what’s in your child’s best interest and act to ensure that happens to protect your child’s mental health. Read to learn how divorce can affect children’s mental health.
Divorce Can Negatively Affect a Child’s Self-Esteem
A child’s self-esteem often hits when their parents divorce, especially if they are old enough to understand what is happening. When parents split up, it can be challenging for kids to feel secure in the world. They may feel like they don’t know where they belong or are not good enough. It leads to low self-esteem, lasting into adulthood.
Parents should recognize that their children need support and try their best to keep them safe and secure.
Divorce Causes Anxiety and Depression
Divorce is a stressful, confusing, and upsetting experience for children. Children may worry about their parents’ feelings or feel guilty because of the divorce. They might also blame themselves for their parent’s problems. All of these feelings can cause anxiety and depression in children. They might have trouble sleeping, concentrating at school, or become withdrawn from friends and family. It can lead to poor social skills as well.
Divorce effects on children vary depending on their age, gender, and personality traits. For example, some younger children might cling to one parent, while older kids might act out in anger or frustration at being separated from one parent. Gender also plays a role, as boys tend to express their emotions differently than girls.
Divorce Can Cause Suicidal Ideations In Children
Children who experience divorce have a high chance of experiencing suicidal thoughts and behaviors. According to the University of Toronto researchers, the risk of suicidal ideation among children who have experienced parental divorce is 83% compared with those who have not experienced parental divorce.
While it’s clear that divorce can have damaging effects on children, it’s important to note that not all children will experience these effects. Children who have been through a divorce may respond differently based on their personality traits and circumstances. For example, some children may be more resilient than others or cope better with change.
Divorce Causes Their Grades at School Begin to Drop
Children’s grades in school often drop in the first few years after a divorce. It may be because their parents’ new roles as single parents cause them to spend less time helping with homework and more time working extra hours.
Children also become overwhelmed by the emotional changes accompanying divorce, which can cause them to lose focus on their studies. As they get older, however, many children can rebound from these setbacks and return to their previous academic levels.
Children May Begin to Act Out In Undesirable Ways
These behaviors can manifest as anger, aggression, or withdrawal. The child may become hyperactive, have trouble sleeping, and experience behavioral problems at school. These behaviors are normal for children experiencing stress, but divorce can exacerbate it.
For example, they may become more anxious or fearful around certain people or situations. It can result from their inability to trust others after their parents’ divorce. They may also develop mood swings or become violent.
In addition, children who have experienced divorce may start acting out sexually at an early age they are trying to deal with feelings of abandonment. They may also begin abusing drugs and alcohol to cope with their emotions.
Parents need to understand how divorce can negatively impact their children’s mental health so they can work with therapists to find ways to help them cope with this stressor.
Divorce comes with drastic changes. Children face new accommodations, routines, and schedules from the divorce. As a child moves through the divorce process, they may develop anxiety, resentment, hostility, guilt, and worry about the future. Divorce can have a big effect on young people’s mental health. Parents should work together and provide support for their children during these times. Also, family members need to create an emotional connection with each other after separation.
