Behavioral Issues in Children During Custody Battles

According to the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy, a family's pattern of behavior influences each individual member of the family. This is true even when the parents are splitting apart and the family is no longer a cohesive unit. It is especially true when a parental split leads to custody battles over children. It is not uncommon for behavioral issues to arise as children become aware of the ongoing fight that is taking place between their parents. How these behaviors manifest is defined by the child's age.

Infants and Young Toddlers

The child from birth to around the age of 3 is not greatly affected by a custody battle as long as his schedule remains stable and his basic needs are met. However, if these basics are not met during this time, behavioral issues that arise usually center on eating and sleeping problems.

Toddlers and Young Children

At 3, 4 and 5 years old, children tend to blame themselves for the breakup of their parents' relationship. Custody battles can cause them noticeable stress as they struggle with the transition between two households and with worries about where they will live. Behavioral issues for children this age include temper tantrums, destructive acting out with playmates and toys and sleep troubles. Nightmares and bed-wetting are not uncommon at this age.

School-Aged Children

Elementary school-aged children tend to absorb the greatest amount of stress during custody battles. At this developmental stage, children may become noticeably angry, depressed or aggressive. Extreme mood swings could become common. Often the behavior of a school-aged child will focus most acutely on just one parent.

Teenagers

Teens tend to have more control over the outcome of custody battles because courts will often take their desires into account when deciding custody. Still, this age group absorbs the stress of such a fight. Teenagers often act out with negative behaviors like drug and alcohol use, sexual promiscuity and other risk-taking actions. Issues with school truancy or declining grades can also be a problem.

References

• FAQs on Marriage and Family Therapists

Resources

• Children's Alignment with Parents in Highly Conflicted Custody Cases