Effects of divorce on children

Essay by jaybrog November 2004

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Effects of divorce on children

Divorce can wreck a home and devastate children. Children may feel that divorce is their fault. Problems after the divorce can occur when one of the parents leaves. Divorce causes financial problems, long-term emotional effects, and can hinder the normal development of a child.

Unfortunately, broken homes are very difficult for children to deal with. The single parent has to find another source for additional income to support the child. There is often less time that the single parent has to offer to the child because the single parent often acquires a second job. The child is usually left to a baby sitter. The child sometimes asks the question, "Did I cause this divorce?"

Therefore, children react in different ways; some show extreme sadness, high anxiety levels, depression, and sleeplessness. The child may feel lonely and become antisocial. The child may think he/she did something wrong to cause the divorce. Children have to adjust to a new school, friends, and environment.

Equally important, long-term effects of divorce are not to be taken lightly. Girls can become promiscuous because they search for a father figure in other males. Boys can rebel from a lack of discipline from the father figure. Psychosomatic disorders can come from emotional trauma and mental stress which causes physical damage to the body.

Lastly, divorce can be overcome by scheduling time for the other parent to meet with the child. Parents should never blame the other spouse for the divorce. Parents should listen to the child and show concern. Sometimes divorce is better for the child in an abusive or argumentative relationship. Divorce is not the end of the world; it can be dealt with in a positive manner.