Are Divorces Harmful for Children?
Despite the fact that over time, divorce may yield a more positive lifestyle for a child, marked by less conflict, the transition from a two-parent to a one-parent family is difficult for many children. Academic, psychological and social difficulties often appear in children affected by divorce. Differences in the sex and age of the child are related to different difficulties post-divorce. The less conflict between divorcing parents, the less effect on the children.
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Academic Difficulties
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Academics are often affected by divorce. Robert Hughes, Jr. Ph.D. notes that, regardless of what is being measured, "children's grades, standardized test scores, or dropout rates, children whose parents divorce generally have poorer scores." Children from divorced families are reported to have double the chance of repeating a grade, according to Divorce Wizard's Jessica St.Clair. Boys are more likely to be in conflict with teachers.
Psychological Difficulties
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Withdrawal can follow divorce. During the adjustment to a new home life, preschoolers may regress. Some experience trouble sleeping. Preschoolers may have fears of abandonment and can become "very distressed" over visitation exchanges, according to Leslie Foulkes-Jamison, Ph.D. Anxiety and withdrawal may occur, particularly in girls. In adolescence, both boys and girls express sadness, but girls are more likely to experience depression.
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Social and Economic Difficulties
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Anger and aggression can follow divorce. Following divorce, many children will experience a decline in their standard of living. Children also may act out by being promiscuous or aggressive. Children with "difficult temperaments" often become less manageable. Generally, boys appear to experience more deleterious affects than girls. "Adolescent boys are likely to spend more time with deviant peers and engage in delinquent behavior, including substance abuse," according to Hughes.
Mitigating the Effects
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Adjustment times of two years are common. Normal adjustment times to divorce are up to two years. Boys adjust better after the custodial parent remarries, but this is not usually the case with girls. Dr. Hughes reports that some girls "emerge out of the divorced, mother-headed households as exceptionally resilient young women." Children can develop increased appreciation of money and responsibilities. Suggestions for divorcing parents includes making visitation regular, not criticizing the other parent, and reading age-appropriate books on divorce with your child.
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References
- AtHealth.com; Divorce and Children:An Interview with Robert Hughes, Jr, PhD
- The Child Advocate: Divorce Effects on Children by Sara Eleoff, November 2003
- Clinical Psychology Associates of Northcentral Florida, P.A.: The Effects Of Divorce On Children; Lesley Foulkes-Jamison, Ph.D
- Divorce Wizards; The effects of Divorce on Children and Education
Resources
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