10 Issues Divorce Can Cause In Children
Source: Mario Arango / Getty
Divorce happens, and it can have adverse effects on children.
A recent study found ten issues. Parents stay together for the sake of their children very often. In many ways, it’s honorable. Nobody wants to put their children through the turmoil of divorce. They want their kids’ childhood years to be stable and have some predictable routine. A divorce would mean splitting time between two homes, possibly welcoming new romantic partners of either parent and a total upheaval of “normal life.” It’s very hard on children who are still developing. But, sadly, additional research has found that staying together for the kids probably isn’t good for them either, as couples who try to separate discreetly can also cause long-term damage to their children’s emotional well-being. It seems like once a couple with children is unhappy, impacting their kids’ psyches is almost inevitable.
Research has quantified the particular ways being a child of divorce changes a person’s life. Children of divorce are at a higher risk for many issues, both in childhood and later in life. As a parent, you do the best you can, and getting a divorce could be much better for the children than having kids grow up in a home with parents who don’t love each other. If divorce occurs, it’s essential to be aware of these issues that can arise in children of divorce.
Source: skaman306 / Getty
Unsafe sex
The research showed that girls from divorced families are at a higher risk for adolescent pregnancy. Girls whose fathers left home before they were five years old are eight times more likely to become pregnant as adolescents than girls whose parents are still together. As for boys, those from divorced families tend to engage in sexual activities younger than those from intact families and are at a heightened risk for sexually transmitted diseases. Speaking to teens about safe sex and abstinence is always essential, but it may need to be addressed earlier and with more intensity with children coming from divorced families.
- Former Pro Footballer Ryan Clark Calls Diddy A ‘B—-‘ For ‘Stomping’ Out Cassie In Video
- Favorite Moments From ‘The Bomb Fashion Show’ During New York Fashion Week
- Why Actress Amber Iman Calls ‘Goddess’ A Love Letter To Black Women In Theater [Exclusive]
- Diddy’s Defense Admits Violence But Denies Sex Trafficking In Opening Statements
Source: Richard Bailey / Getty
Educational stagnation
According to the research, children from divorced families score lower academically across the board than those from intact families. One study found that children from divorced families score specifically lower in math and science than those from intact families. While the turmoil of a divorce can make it difficult for parents to give their children their full attention, kids must be given the educational support they need to thrive during this difficult time. That could mean getting a tutor, having more parent-teacher conferences, helping children with homework, or whatever it takes to ensure they stay on track academically.
- Former Pro Footballer Ryan Clark Calls Diddy A ‘B—-‘ For ‘Stomping’ Out Cassie In Video
- Favorite Moments From ‘The Bomb Fashion Show’ During New York Fashion Week
- Why Actress Amber Iman Calls ‘Goddess’ A Love Letter To Black Women In Theater [Exclusive]
- Diddy’s Defense Admits Violence But Denies Sex Trafficking In Opening Statements
Source: Daniel Gonzalez / Getty
Financial stagnation
Children of divorced parents are less likely to experience “upward financial mobility,” according to the research. The research shows these children are also more likely to come from families who live in poverty, which can mean a rather bleak outlook for their financial stability as adults. And since children from divorce are also more prone to financially draining life events such as adolescent pregnancy, this can set them even further back financially. This is why it is critical that divorced parents prioritize their children’s education, encourage work ethic, and teach them about finances when the time comes.
- Former Pro Footballer Ryan Clark Calls Diddy A ‘B—-‘ For ‘Stomping’ Out Cassie In Video
- Favorite Moments From ‘The Bomb Fashion Show’ During New York Fashion Week
- Why Actress Amber Iman Calls ‘Goddess’ A Love Letter To Black Women In Theater [Exclusive]
- Diddy’s Defense Admits Violence But Denies Sex Trafficking In Opening Statements
Source: Robin Gentry / EyeEm / Getty
Eating disorders
Studies have found that children of divorce are at a higher risk for developing eating disorders than those from intact families. Divorce in childhood can trigger the need to try to control something, as well as bring up feelings of insecurity, both of which can lead to an eating disorder. Furthermore, when parents are distracted by divorce proceedings, children may develop disordered eating habits in an attempt to gain attention. Still, those habits can spiral because the parents are not paying attention. If you are a divorced parent, make sure to speak to your children about body image issues and take action if you notice new unhealthy eating patterns occur.
- Former Pro Footballer Ryan Clark Calls Diddy A ‘B—-‘ For ‘Stomping’ Out Cassie In Video
- Favorite Moments From ‘The Bomb Fashion Show’ During New York Fashion Week
- Why Actress Amber Iman Calls ‘Goddess’ A Love Letter To Black Women In Theater [Exclusive]
- Diddy’s Defense Admits Violence But Denies Sex Trafficking In Opening Statements
Source: urbazon / Getty
Early cohabitation
Children from divorced homes are two to three times more likely to cohabit with an unmarried partner than children from intact homes and to do so at a younger age. One can see how having the nuclear family dissolve might motivate a young adult to form what feels like a new family unit by moving in with a significant other. Living together before marriage has its pros and cons, as discussed in other articles. However, if your child comes from a divorced home, it’s important to talk to them about their decision to live with a partner and make sure the choice is being made from a healthy place.
- Former Pro Footballer Ryan Clark Calls Diddy A ‘B—-‘ For ‘Stomping’ Out Cassie In Video
- Favorite Moments From ‘The Bomb Fashion Show’ During New York Fashion Week
- Why Actress Amber Iman Calls ‘Goddess’ A Love Letter To Black Women In Theater [Exclusive]
- Diddy’s Defense Admits Violence But Denies Sex Trafficking In Opening Statements
Source: Robin Gentry / EyeEm / Getty
Marriage hesitancy
The research shows that children from divorced homes are more distrustful of marriage as an institution and more approving of divorce than those from intact homes. Considering that children often model their relationship behavior after that of their parents, it’s easy to see how children of divorce may struggle to feel confident that they know positive and healthy relationship behaviors. As children get older, if parents notice them resisting marrying good partners, it’s crucial to speak to them about any underlying fears about marriage. Marriage doesn’t have to be the goal for every couple, but again, it’s just crucial that the decision is made from a healthy place.
- Former Pro Footballer Ryan Clark Calls Diddy A ‘B—-‘ For ‘Stomping’ Out Cassie In Video
- Favorite Moments From ‘The Bomb Fashion Show’ During New York Fashion Week
- Why Actress Amber Iman Calls ‘Goddess’ A Love Letter To Black Women In Theater [Exclusive]
- Diddy’s Defense Admits Violence But Denies Sex Trafficking In Opening Statements
Source: Nathan Bilow / Getty
Verbally abusive relationships
One study found that college students with divorced parents are more likely to experience verbal aggression from a partner. Verbal aggression can be just as damaging as physical as it can cause long-term damage to a person’s psyche. Parents of children of divorce should make sure to speak to their children about healthy relationship behavior and keep an eye out for any signs of emotional abuse. It can also be vital that they make sure their children feel safe coming to them if they are in an emotionally abusive relationship and know they will receive support instead of judgment.
- Former Pro Footballer Ryan Clark Calls Diddy A ‘B—-‘ For ‘Stomping’ Out Cassie In Video
- Favorite Moments From ‘The Bomb Fashion Show’ During New York Fashion Week
- Why Actress Amber Iman Calls ‘Goddess’ A Love Letter To Black Women In Theater [Exclusive]
- Diddy’s Defense Admits Violence But Denies Sex Trafficking In Opening Statements
Source: Richard Bailey / Getty
Anxiety and depression
The research found that children of divorce are at an increased risk for depression or anxiety, as well as suicidal thoughts and actions. It can be a good idea to put children in therapy as soon as divorce proceedings occur to monitor for issues like these before they even develop closely. It’s common for parents to avoid facing their child’s depression and anxiety because of the guilt that comes from the belief that their divorce caused it. But by giving them access to proper mental health care, parents can ensure their children don’t face life-long psychological effects of the divorce.
- Former Pro Footballer Ryan Clark Calls Diddy A ‘B—-‘ For ‘Stomping’ Out Cassie In Video
- Favorite Moments From ‘The Bomb Fashion Show’ During New York Fashion Week
- Why Actress Amber Iman Calls ‘Goddess’ A Love Letter To Black Women In Theater [Exclusive]
- Diddy’s Defense Admits Violence But Denies Sex Trafficking In Opening Statements
Source: Catherine McQueen / Getty
Alcoholism
One study showed that children growing up without both parents are twice as likely to develop alcohol addiction. These children are also three to eight times more likely to have a caregiver with an alcohol addiction. Divorced parents can rely on their village to raise their children, but vetting the caregivers and role models who enter the child’s life becomes especially important. During such a difficult time, it’s normal for children to seek some coping mechanism or self-soothing behavior, so they should not be in the presence of adults with unhealthy coping mechanisms, such as excessive drinking.
- Former Pro Footballer Ryan Clark Calls Diddy A ‘B—-‘ For ‘Stomping’ Out Cassie In Video
- Favorite Moments From ‘The Bomb Fashion Show’ During New York Fashion Week
- Why Actress Amber Iman Calls ‘Goddess’ A Love Letter To Black Women In Theater [Exclusive]
- Diddy’s Defense Admits Violence But Denies Sex Trafficking In Opening Statements
Source: kali9 / Getty
Trust issues
According to the research, daughters from divorced families experience higher levels of trust issues in their romantic relationships as adults. If there is still access to the other parent, it can be essential to make sure the relationship between the child and the other parent remains open and bonded to help prevent feelings of distrust. This can be especially important for daughters of divorce and their fathers. The same research did find that divorce often negatively impacts the relationship between the children and their father, more so than with their mother, so the bond must remain close.
- Former Pro Footballer Ryan Clark Calls Diddy A ‘B—-‘ For ‘Stomping’ Out Cassie In Video
- Favorite Moments From ‘The Bomb Fashion Show’ During New York Fashion Week
- Why Actress Amber Iman Calls ‘Goddess’ A Love Letter To Black Women In Theater [Exclusive]
- Diddy’s Defense Admits Violence But Denies Sex Trafficking In Opening Statements
