Divorcing parents have a lot to consider and they must handle legal matters along with dealing with child custody and support. On top of everything, they want to preserve the well-being, health, and happiness of their child. You need to understand how divorce can affect children.
Shaffer Family Law examines how divorce impacts children on a psychological level. Note that no matter how well parents tackle the topic of divorce, there will always be some sort of negative reaction. After all, divorce is the first time many children experience an ending to something. They are going through the loss of something they depend on, especially since children look at their parents as a permanent fixture in their lives. Losing this structure will be a big hit.
Some children cope better than others, though some are less equipped to handle such big changes in life. They may turn to poor coping mechanics and become agitated, anxious, and depressed. It is common for children to lash out at peers or authority figures and those in school may start getting into trouble at school. Acting out is usually a way for an unhappy child to express their feelings.
Some children do the opposite and may internalize their grief. It is not uncommon for children to blame themselves for divorce and it could later create emotional problems including perfectionist tendencies, which can lead to self-sabotaging behaviors and mindsets. To help your child get through the divorce, you need to pay attention to how you react to certain situations. You should also keep track of how your child reacts to certain events, like when the divorce is finalized.
You need to guide your child so that they can take steps to correct any harmful behavior they may have developed. Supporting children through this period of instability is essential to ensuring they adapt well in the aftermath.
At Shaffer Family Law, we are here to help you through the hardships up divorce and we know all too well the effects that divorce can have on children. For any questions or if you would like to schedule an appointment with one of our attorneys, give us a call today at (480) 470-3030.