How Does Divorce Affect Children?
Divorce can represent a challenging time for a family. The parents realize new ways of relating to each other as well as new ways to parent their children. There are varied effects of divorce on children. Some children may take the change in the family dynamics in stride and react in an understanding manner. Yet others may struggle with the myriad changes.
The silver lining is that children are generally very resilient. Divorce transition can be seen as an adjustment rather than a crisis with assistance. As the children in divorce differ (different ages, different dispositions, etc.), the impact of divorce on children varies as well. Our compassionate and caring lawyers at Smith Law Firm help you approach divorce by comprehending the impacts on children of all temperaments.
Bearing this in mind, below are some of the most common divorce effects on children. Working with an experienced divorce lawyer can help parents manage the possible consequences in a better manner:
Poor Academic Performance
For all members of the family, divorce is a daunting occurrence. Children may feel confused or distracted due to the changing family dynamics. The interruption in their normal routine can reflect in their academic performance. If children are distracted, they are unlikely to concentrate on their school work, for example.
Reduced Interest in Social Activities
According to research, divorce can impact children socially. Children who come from families undergoing divorce may find it more challenging to relate to others and have less social contact. At times, children do not feel secure and wonder why their parents are going through a divorce.
Challenges in Adapting to Change
Children witnessing divorce may have to adapt to change more frequently. The change in family dynamics, moving to a new house or living situation, etc., can all have an impact.
Emotionally Vulnerable
Divorce can unravel various types of emotions in a family. The children involved are also likely to experience the same rollercoaster of emotions. This transition may lead to feelings of anger, loss, anxiety, frustration, and confusion.
During this difficult time, children may feel emotionally vulnerable and overwhelmed and need an outlet for their feelings, i.e., someone to talk to, someone who will listen to them. Children may feel the impact of divorce via how they process their feelings.
Irritability and Anger
In certain cases, where children feel overwhelmed and are unable to respond to the effects they feel during divorce, they may become irritable and angry. Their anger may be directed at various perceived causes.
Children who are processing divorce may be angry at their parents, friends, themselves, and others. Many children feel a dissipation of this anger after several weeks. However, if it persists, it is vital to understand that this may be an aftereffect of divorce on children.
Feelings of Guilt
Children typically wonder why their family is going through a divorce. They will seek reasons, trying to understand if their parents no longer love each other or if they have made a mistake.
Such feelings of guilt are a common effect of divorce on kids and can lead to various other problems. Guilt can increase stress, lead to depression, and cause other health issues. In order to reduce these feelings of guilt, it is vital to provide context and counseling to a child.
Unresolved conflict in children can lead to future unanticipated risks. Research indicates that children who have experienced divorce in the past 20 years are more prone to engage in crimes, rebel through destructive behavior that harms a child’s health, with more children reporting that they started smoking or misusing prescription drugs.
A Rise in Medical Issues
The divorce process and its effects can be stressful for children. Managing these issues can take its toll, including medical issues. Children who have seen divorce have a higher perceptibility to illness, which can result from various factors, including their difficulty falling asleep. On top of this, signs of depression can manifest, increasing these feelings of loss of well-being and exacerbating deteriorating health signs.
Understanding Divorce and Family Law Attorneys
The law in Alabama favors joint physical and legal custody when both parents are agreeable. In case they do not agree, the court has significant powers to create a parenting plan in the best interests of a child.
Parents do have the opportunity to create their own parenting arrangements. AL law requires parents who are unable to arrive at an agreement to attend mediation before participating in a contested court procedure. In case they are still unable to arrive at a consensus, a judge will decide on the matter.
If you are presently undergoing or considering divorce, or you are faced with another family law matter, our dedicated and compassionate family law attorneys at Smith Law Firm can guide you toward the best possible resolution of the issue. We are client-focused and bring a strong knowledge of the law to our family law practice. To schedule a consultation with a member of our legal team, call today at (334) 702-1744.
