Divorce can overwhelm you and your former spouse, specifically if you have severe disputes and disagreements. You could attempt to keep the tension under control to preserve relationships within your household. But sometimes, the adverse effects of the divorce can impact your child’s welfare, including the following:
Emotional distress
Divorce can elicit extreme emotions from your child, depending on their age. Most toddlers feel confused and worried because they cannot fully grasp what divorce means. Older kids in grade school could have a better understanding, but it often makes them feel guilty, as if they caused the divorce.
Meanwhile, teenagers can fully understand what can happen because of the divorce. They could resent their parents or act out if they cannot process their emotions adequately. Regardless of age, children tend to receive the harshest blow during the divorce, which could be too much for them to deal with alone.
Mental health issues
No matter how much you shelter your child from divorce-related stress, they may still sense it through the family. Unfortunately, these extreme emotions and distress can cause depression, anxiety or both. All these problems can impact how they function at home and school, leading to declining academic performance and losing interest in other activities.
As a parent, you should be on the lookout for these signs and address them immediately. Doing so can allow you to get your child professional help before their condition worsens.
Supporting your child through the divorce
You might feel helpless when you see your child suffering from the divorce. Fortunately, you can find ways to support them through this challenging time by being involved in their lives and communicating with them openly. These measures can make them comfortable sharing what they feel and what bothers them.
Additionally, you shouldn’t hesitate to sign up for counseling or therapy for you and your child. These options can teach you and your child healthy ways to cope with the divorce while preserving relationships within your family.
