THE

PHYSIOLO

GICAL

EFFE

CTS O

F DIV

ORCE

ON CHIL

DREN

HA

L EI G

H P

UC

KE

T T

Divorce can have many different effects on children. They can be emotionally devastating. Often children rebel or become very angry or distant toward one or both parents. In many cases a child’s whole life is drastically changed.

AGE GROUPS

• Little is known about the effects of divorce on children under 3.

• Children from age 3-5 often believe that they cause their parents divorce. When sent from parent to parent they often think they have been sent away because they have misbehaved.

• Psychologists believe that divorce affects elementary school aged children the most.

• School age children are old enough to understand that they are in pain because of their parents’ separation. They are too young, however, to understand or to control their reactions to this pain.

CONTD……

• Some Teens feel pushed into adulthood if they must take responsibility formany new chores or care of siblings. Teens may respond to parents’low energy level and high stress level by trying to take control over the family. Many feel like they will never have successful relationships of their own.

CAUSES- PARENTAL LOSS• Divorce often results in the loss of

contact with one parent.

• This loss results in the less emotional support, less financial support, and less knowledge

CAUSES- MORE STRESS

• Divorce can be very overwhelming for children.

• It often results in many changes in such as changing schools, child care, homes, etc.

• This affects relationships with friends and extended family members.

• Theses huge changes build up stress.

RESULTS ECONOMIC LOSS

• Many children living in a one parent home usually do not have the financial resources they did before they divorce.

• They may not get the toys, get to do the activities, and get to spend as much money as they used to.

• This change in lifestyle can prove to be very difficult to adjust to.

COPING

• Many children need an outlet for their angry and sad feelings

• One good thing for them to do is take up an activity or sport they love.

• If possible contact should be kept with both parents,

• Group or personal therapy is also an option.

THINGS PARENTS SHOULD DO

• Set the record straight

• Let them know they aren't to blame

• Encourage children to express their feeling

• Be honest

SOURCES

Block, Jocelyn. "Helping your kids cope with the effects of separation and divorce." Children and Divorce. ©Helpguide.org, Jan 2012. Web. 17 Feb 2012. <http://www.helpguide.org/mental/children_divorce.htm>.

Huges,Jr., Robert. "The Effects of Divorce on Children." parenting 24/7. © Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois, Apr 10, 2009.. Web. 17 Feb 2012. <http://parenting247.org/article.cfm?ContentID=646>.

Tempke, Mary. "The Effects of Divorce on Children." UNH Cooperative Extension. UNH Cooperative Extension, 2012. Web. 17 Feb 2012. <http://extension.unh.edu/family/documents/divorce.pdf>.