Tragically, divorce has become practically commonplace in modern society. Recent statistics from organizations like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) show US divorce rates now approaching 50 percent.
Divorce rates for blended famlies are even higher nearing 70%. Unfortunately, new scientific data suggests divorce can have a devastating effect on a child’s psyche.
In this article, we’ll look at some of the negative consequences of divorce on a child’s mind and suggest ways you could help your child maintain emotional stability.
Major Case Studies on Children with Divorced Parents
First, let’s go over a few studies analyzing the differences between children with two parents and children with divorced parents.
A few other studies show that children of divorced parents are more likely to fail in high school, take drugs, engage in unprotected sex and are five times more likely to live in poverty. Even though the risk of your child experiencing these problems as they grow up are higher, they are not set in stone.
Let’s go over a few strategies you could use to help your child succeed.
Divorce Lawyers can Help You
Couples going through with a divorce must hire a qualified divorce lawyer like Olson Kulkoski Galloway & Vesely SC to help them navigate the process. It’s extremely common to let your emotions cloud your good sense during a divorce settlement.
Professional divorce lawyers can help you maintain your reputation and sanity during this trying time. Given your particular circumstances a skilled attorney can help you best understand what’s right for your children.
Using a divorce lawyer with extensive experience will help you avoid common pitfalls other families have fallen into. Also, a divorce attorney will definitely take a great deal of stress off of your shoulders.
Keep your Kids Out of It
Although it might be hard to do, it’s important not to badmouth your ex in front of your children. If you need to vent, schedule an appointment with a marriage family therapist or meet with a trusted friend, but never go into a tirade in front of your child.
You should encourage your child to have a healthy relationship with your ex. Always keep your ex informed about major events in your child’s life.
All of these little things will subtly teach your child how to handle life’s conflicts with maturity and grace. These strategies will also help your child feel they aren’t so “different” from their classmates and friends.
You’re Not Alone
Divorce is never easy, especially for children. Hopefully these stats and tips have helped you understand how to best navigate your own personal issues.
Consider ordering your child a book like Two Homes or My Parents Are Divorced Too to help them feel less alone. For even more detailed information, you can always find more resources online like blogs, support groups and books.
There’s no doubt divorce can be a stressful time for both parents and kids. Dixie provides five ways of protecting your children during divorce.
