Couples could go through extreme stress and grief during the divorce. They might face various obstacles while dealing with legalities and paperwork to finalize the process. Parents might feel overwhelming distress and fatigue, but their children could experience the harshest blow.
Children usually find it challenging to cope with divorce. It could disrupt their lives, alter their living arrangements and affect their well-being overall. Typically, children also feel stress, fear and grief, especially when exposed to divorce disputes between parents. Adverse effects could vary based on their age, including the following:
- Toddlers: They might not understand the changes around them, especially matters impacting their living situation. They often worry intensely about losing one or both parents after the divorce.
- Grade-school age: These children tend to blame themselves for the divorce. In addition to guilt, they might be afraid that something they did contributed to the divorce.
- Teenagers: They are more mature, allowing them to understand what divorce entails. Usually, they feel angry about the sudden changes in their lives. They might blame one or both parents for choosing to divorce, potentially leading to long-term resentment.
Still, children’s responses could vary based on the family’s circumstances. These extreme emotions could sometimes result in emotional or behavioral issues they might take into adulthood.
Addressing children’s needs during the divorce
During these challenging times, parents must support their children and help them adjust to their new lives. Avoiding conflicts and collaboration between parents could help them cope. However, some problems might require professional help, mainly if the children are exhibiting severe emotional or psychological issues.
If so, parents could contact mental health professionals specializing in divorce-related matters. Seeking help could be essential to preserving family relationships and meeting the children’s needs.
