Divorce or separation between parents is one of the harsh realities of today’s hectic schedule and stressful life. And it is often seen that children are the worst sufferers when it comes to broken homes. It is true that today’s parents are often concerned about the side effects of divorce on their children and they wonder how their decision will affect the child’s life, health and happiness. If you and your partner or any of your close friends or relatives are thinking of getting a divorce, then this article can surely help them to be aware of the short term as well as long term effects on their children.

Today, millions of children are experiencing the adverse effects of divorce, and research has stated that it leaves them struggling emotionally regardless of their age. Most of them fantasize about their parents reuniting and enjoying the moments that they had spent together. The level of distress that kids feel usually depends on their mental maturity and the situation the kids may experience during and after the separation of their parents. Let’s take a look at both the short term and long term effects of divorce on children.

Short term impacts:

Withdraw from reality: Most children are extremely sensitive about this issue and may be unwilling to accept the reality of their parents separating. Young kids often withdraw from the reality and create a fantasy world where the family is still happily together. They often fantasize unrealistic expectations of their parents getting together.

Sadness and loneliness: Your child may feel very lonely due to the divorce. The sense of loss makes them feel very sad and a child can feel as if their entire world has been turned upside down. This loneliness and feeling of insecurity has a terrible effect on them and this confusion leads to depression and fear psychosis.

Emotional problems: Children who suffer separation of their parents may also suffer from separation anxieties, bed-wetting, whining, break toilet training, and also temporary loss of self-care skills and everything that needs parental attention. Since the child wants to remain more connected with the family, regression to earlier dependency may partly be an effort to bring their parents closer.

Believing that they are responsible for the separation: Another important short term effect on children is that they often believe that they are responsible for the separation of their children. Kids between the ages of three and eight often have this sort of feelings and it is your responsibility to assure them that the decision to separate is only yours and not theirs.

Long term impacts:

Usually the effects of divorce on children are short term and fade away once they are able to cope up with the situation and adjust to the new family situation. But in certain cases the effects may be long term and have negative effects on the child’s whole life. They may:

• Lose concentration on education and remain less educated
• Exhibit behavioral problems and anti-social behavior
• Suffer from severe alcohol addictions and drugs
• May face adjustment problems that may lead to separation or divorce themselves
• Become teenage parents or conceive a child before marriage

Though every child has a different way to react to the situation, you may also find children who continue to act normally even after the separation of their parents. But as parents, it is your responsibility to ensure that he or she still has two parents who will always be there.

Summary

Separation or divorce often has a negative effect on kids and they face various emotional problems and mental stress due to the decision. As parents, it is important for you to provide them with the essential support and care for a healthy environment.