Divorce is a harrowing experience for a growing child. Breaking of marital bond affects every area of a child’s life. Children divided from one of their parents suffer trauma that affects their education, behavior, and mental health (Sondre et al., 2020). Divorce can also cause children to feel a lack of control over their lives, leading to helplessness and hopelessness. Divorce can profoundly affect the mental, behavioral, and educational development of children of all ages. It is essential to understand the potential impacts of divorce on a child’s development so that parents can support and guide their children. Studies have shown that divorce negatively affects a child’s development throughout the year. Therefore, this paper analyzes the effects of post-divorce on a child’s education, behavior, and mental health.
When parents divorce, children suffer trauma that disrupts their education life. With conflicts at home, children struggle to concentrate on their studies. Children may feel a sense of loss, confusion, and sadness, making paying attention difficult (Nusinovici et al., 2018). Divorce depresses a child’s autonomy, motivation, and manual aptitude, causing them to fall back academically. Children who relocate after their parents separated often become poor academically (Sondre et al., 2020). Educational achievement of children whose parents had a divorce unmotivated. Children may experience academic difficulties due to the stress and emotional upheaval caused by their parent’s separation. They may need help to concentrate or lose interest in school altogether. In some cases, children may miss school or experience a decline in their grades. Additionally, financial strain resulting from the divorce can limit a child’s access to resources and opportunities, making it harder to succeed academically.
Divorce is a life transition that stresses all family members. Children may experience intense sadness, anxiety, and anger and often display rowdy behavior such as acting out, aggression, and difficulty concentrating. Children may withdraw from social activities and isolate themselves from peers and friends. They may feel embarrassed or ashamed about their family situation. Children may also exhibit aggressive behavior towards siblings, peers, or adults due to the stress and anxiety caused by the divorce (Nusinovici et al., 2018). They may struggle to understand why their parents are separating and feel helpless, scared, or abandoned. Causes of this stress may result from financial instability and less time spent with one of the parents.Divorce diminishes a child’s future competence in all areas of life (Ross & Wynne, 2010). Children in divorce situations lack the feeling of satisfaction and hope.
Post-divorce marital conflict increases depressive symptoms among all family members. Children adopt a withdrawal behavior toward their family, causing loneliness, stress, and anxiety. Mostly father-child bonds tend to loosen after marriage breakups (Kalmijn, 2016).Research proves that most children live stressfully and with mental difficulties from anxiety and depression (Ross & Wynne, 2010). They may also feel guilty or responsible for the divorce. This can lead to depression, anxiety, and other emotional problems. Children of conflicting parents often have difficulty with impulse control and emotional regulation, which can lead to further behavioral issues. Depressed parents are emotionally unstable, hostile, and withdrawn. Children are often scolded and disregarded by their troubled parents leading to anxiety and depression among their offspring (Ross & Wynne, 2010).
Depending on various factors, divorce can have short-term and long-term effects on child development. Contextually, the child’s age, the quality of the parent’s relationship, and the conflict and stress surrounding the divorce. Divorce can sometimes remove children from high-conflict and stressful environments. A peaceful environment is crucial to a child’s overall well-being. Additionally, divorce can provide children with opportunities to develop resilience and coping skills as they learn to adapt to new situations and navigate changing family dynamics. However, research proves that divorce does more harm than good. Family separation due to conflict is unhealthy for all family members.
Finally, providing children with time to adjust to the changes is essential. Though divorce can be difficult for children, they can adapt successfully, given the proper support and guidance. By understanding the potential impacts of divorce on children’s development, parents can take steps to ensure that their children can cope with the changes and continue to grow and thrive. It is important to note that every child’s divorce experience differs, and not all children will exhibit these behavioral changes. Parents can support their children through divorce by providing emotional support, maintaining routines, and seeking professional help. With the proper support, children emerge from a divorce situation strong, resilient, and hopeful.
References
Gustavsen, G. W., Nayga, R. M., & Wu, X. (2016). Effects of parental divorce on teenage children’s risk behaviors: incidence and persistence. Journal of Family and Economic Issues, 37(3), 474–487. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10834-015-9460-5
Kalmijn, M. (2016). Father-child contact, interparental conflict, and depressive symptoms among children of divorced parents. European Sociological Review, 32(1), 68–80. https://doi.org/10.1093/esr/jcv095
Nusinovici, S., Olliac, B., Flamant, C., Müller, J., Olivier, M., Rouger, V., Gascoin, G., Basset, H., Bouvard, C., Jean-Christophe Rozé, & Hanf, M. (2018). Impact of parental separation or divorce on school performance in preterm children: A population-based study. PLoS One, 13(9) https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0202080
Ross, L. T., & Wynne, S. (2010). Parental depression and divorce and adult children’s well-being: the role of family unpredictability. Journal of Child and Family Studies, 19(6), 757–761.
Sondre, A. N., Breivik, K., Wold, B., Kristin Gärtner Askeland, Sivertsen, B., Hysing, M., & Bøe, T. (2020). Divorce and adolescent academic achievement: Heterogeneity in the associations by parental education. PLoS One, 15(3). https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0229183
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