Divorce is an emotionally taxing experience, and it’s natural to be concerned about how it will affect your kids even as you focus on your well-being during this trying time.
Many children who experience parental divorce feel helpless, angry, confused, sad, and guilty and blame themselves because of their emotional turmoil. Some kids may focus their blame on themselves, while others may point the finger at a specific parent.
Parents need to know how their divorce will affect their children so they can be there for them in every way they need.
Impacts of Divorce on Children by Yitzhak D Stern
Emotional Vulnerability
There is the monetary cost, and then there is the emotional cost of a divorce. Children of divorced parents are more likely to experience emotional difficulties such as anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts. Because they are still learning whom they can trust and rely on, children are especially vulnerable to the effects of conflict and turmoil on their mental health.
Divorce can leave children wondering if their parents love them anymore. According to Yitzhak D Stern, Anxious kids may wonder, “If I can’t depend on Mom and Dad to stay married, then what else can I count on?” because stability in a child’s life is threatened when their parents’ relationship ends.
Choosing Between Parents
Many kids feel torn between their two homes and parents during parental divorce. Because of this implication’s emotional toll on young minds, reassuring them that they are relieved of this responsibility is crucial.
The divorce may affect your child’s living situation. Yitzhak D Stern advises that including your child in discussions about where you will both live can only help the situation. Yitzhak D Stern further says that there are also forms of family mediation that welcome the presence of children.
Life Lesson
It’s important to remember that children can learn valuable lessons from a divorce. It demonstrates that there is life after a failed relationship and that you have choices regarding your romantic life. If the divorce they are exposed to is handled maturely, with consideration for all parties involved, and without hate, it can also teach them valuable skills in conflict resolution.
This is especially the case when the divorce is amicable, and both sides do their part to be excellent co-parents throughout and after the process.
Keep in mind that your kids are watching your every move. And even if they say nothing, your actions will profoundly affect them.
Yitzhak D Stern’s Final Thoughts
Marriages can fail even when both partners are deeply in love with one another and do everything they can to keep the union together. Those serious about their commitment to one another never plan on divorcing their spouse. As a rule, when two people tie the knot, they do so to spend the rest of their lives together. However, they quickly learn that marriage is not a walk in the park. That’s why it’s so disheartening that so many couples eventually separate.
Adjusting to the new co-parent normal can be aided by ensuring your children are doing well with the separation. Divorce will most definitely impact your children, and you can prepare them for it by knowing what to expect using this article provided by Yitzhak D Stern.