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How Divorce Affects Children

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How Divorce Effects on Children

Divorce can have a significant impact on the children involved in many different ways. Studies show that the effects of divorce on children can also continue throughout adulthood. These children are more likely to have failed marriages themselves, have children out of wedlock, and earn lower salaries. It is common for the depression of the parents and their relationship to pass on to their child. Children who grow up with depression symptoms are more likely to eventually experience divorce in their own marriage. Research also shows that teenagers who experience divorce are 50 percent more likely to abuse alcohol than those of “Two-parent homes”. The way that the divorce affects the child also depends on the child’s age, gender, and the degree of conflict between the parents. Studies show that pre-school age students tend to blame themselves for their parents’ divorce. They will start to show behaviors such as wetting the bed more often than usual. School aged children are old enough to realize that it is not their fault, but they will feel a sense of rejection from the parent that left the household. These children are likely to experience psychosomatic symptoms such as stomachaches and headaches. As the child gets older, they may start to favor one parent over the other. …show more content…

The parents should sit down with their child and explain to them that the divorce is about to take place. This helps the child understand that they are not to blame for their parents’ separation. If the parents do not make this clear to the child, it may give the child false hope that they can change this outcome. Encouraging a relationship with the other parent is also another way to make divorce easier on the

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