Depending on the age of your child, one or more of the following descriptions may fit. Divorce can be a calm procedure or down right nasty. You need to take into consideration how it is affecting your child. Here is a list of how divorce effects your children. It’s beneficial to everyone if you take action as soon as one of these signs is noticed.
10. They might feel the need to take sides with one parent
Some children feel closer to one parent over the other, especially very small children who are at home all day with a parent who works from home or chooses to provide care for the young child. This strong bond can cause the child to take sides during a divorce.
9. The child blames one parent for the divorce
Occasionally the child in the middle of divorcing parents will blame one parent for the current situation. This could be due to something he overheard the other parent saying or from actions he’s seen between both parents.
8. An increase in the desire to have more attention
Attention-seekers come in all sizes; from toddlers to teens. Divorce can cause a child to seek more attention than usual. If a lot of concentration is being given to the divorce, then kids tend to feel left out. Kids might become clingier to one parent or start acting in such a way that the attention is always on him.
7. Sudden outbursts of anger can occur
A child who is usually jovial and optimistic can turn into a bitter and pessimistic person due to parents separating. This could be because the parents have spent time yelling at one another or it could be due to feelings being bottled up and not knowing how to react to such feelings.
6. Kids can become less likely to communicate
If your child was an avid talker before and has suddenly shut down after news of the divorce. You might need to sit down and have a heart-felt discussion with him. Find out what’s bothering him and what he’s thinking about. There’s a reason he’s decided to quit talking and it’s best to find out why as soon as possible.
5. Regression
Some children will revert to habits, actions, or speech that is used by a child of a much younger age. Bedwetting, temper tantrums, whining, baby talk, or other signs of regression could be caused by the divorce.
4. Changes in behavior at school
When situations change at home, this tends to cause a chain reaction at school as well. Watch for signs such as; grades dropping, acting out in class, getting into fights, being sent to the principal’s office often, or not turning in assignments. Hopefully your child’s teacher will notify you of any changes as well.
3. They feel at fault for the divorce
Kids often think they’ve done something wrong to cause their parents to seek a divorce. You need to let your child know that this was a decision purely between you and your spouse and had nothing to do with anything your child has done.
2. There’s an increase in psychological problems
You can never tell exactly what a child is thinking, which means you may have to be more observant than usual. Listen to what your child tells you or talks about. This could be a clue as to what he’s worried about or how he thinks the divorce will affect him and his way of life. Be reassuring as much as possible.
1. Kids become stressed
No matter how young your children are, they can still be affected by divorce. You may not think they know what is going on, but kids can sense when things aren’t right or if a parent is upset. This can cause kids of even the youngest age to feel stressed out. Children under stress tend to become easily agitated and might have drastic changes in behavior.
From this list of how divorce effects your children, which do you think is the most common sign?
Categories: The War of the Roses
