How A Divorce Affects A Child’s Future
Unfortunately a significant number of marriages these days end in divorce.
Whilst for the couple it may be the best option, the effects of divorce on their children are always a big consideration that has to be made.
Divorce is a huge change in a child’s life and can be a major factor in shaping their future. Whilst divorce is never an ideal situation, by understanding the potential impact on children, it is possible to mitigate the damage caused by divorce. In this article, we will explain how a divorce affects a child’s future.
1. A Different Home Life
The first major change that a child whose parents are divorced will face is totally different home life. After their parents separate, children will split their time between their parents in whatever custody set up has been decided during the court proceedings. The divorce attorneys of https://www.mevorahlaw.com/ told us that this custodial arrangement is the single most important outcome in a divorce case.
The judge will make a decision on where a child will have the best home life and there is a range of factors that come into this such as financial security, each parent’s ability to care for the child, the parents’ criminal records and records of parenting and in some cases the child’s preference. This massive upheaval in a child’s life can be incredibly overwhelming and may be something that they never fully get used to.
2. Potential Behavioural Issues
The emotional burden on a child following their parent’s divorce can lead to a range of behavioral issues. Children can feel like their voices are not heard during a divorce and this craving for attention and affection can cause them to act out at home and in school.
Studies have shown that children whose parents have recently been divorced are 30% more likely to get in trouble at school and to see a significant drop off in their grades and how focused they are on their studies and extracurricular activities. It is so important that teachers and parents deal with these issues through understanding rather than anger and punishment and address the root cause of the behaviour rather than focusing on the behaviour itself.
3. Scepticism About Love and Relationships
As divorce is becoming more and more common, an increasing number of young people are shunning the idea of marriage altogether. Many divorced people are sceptical about love and relationships after their marriage ends and this can also be true of their children.
Many children whose parents’ marriage failed will themselves find it difficult to be in successful relationships. There may be some underlying bitterness about their parents’ divorce which causes them to think that it is impossible for relationships to ever work out.
Sadly, divorce has become normalized, and whilst it is usually sad for all parties involved, it can be particularly hard on children. No matter how much parents will try to make the situation as easy as possible on their children, there is no getting away from the fact that it is a major change in a child’s life.
Good communication and understanding are so important in helping children through the potentially damaging process of their parents’ divorce.