As a parent, it’s a sure thing that you didn’t take the decision to divorce lightly. You knew that it would impact everyone in the family and yet became confident that the benefits would outweigh the bad. The truth is that some kids can experience bad effects after their parents divorce – but not all children do.
As their parent, it’s your job to make sure that you’re doing everything you can to assist your children through the changes in everyone’s life. This involves making sure you have a fair custody agreement and that you keep an eye out for changes in behavior. Read on to learn about some of the things you should be looking out for and then reach out to Law Office of Michael L. Fell at 949-585-9055 for more information.
Your child may be under regular stress
It’s common for a child to blame themselves for their parents’ divorce. They may work to try and bring their parents back together. The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychology says that it’s essential for parents to keep an eye on this. The stress they feel to get their parents back together can lead to nightmares or regular negative thoughts. If you see your child experiencing this, get to the bottom of it and make sure they know that the divorce is not their fault.
Your child may experience anxiety
Your child may become anxious, tense, or nervous after the divorce. In most cases, an older child is going to cop better because they’re not as dependent on their parents compared to younger kids. That said, it can affect them too. If you notice that your child’s schoolwork is suffering, or if they seem to have lost interest in the things they loved, then it may be time to talk to your physician about options.
Your child may suffer from mood swings
A child who’s going through the divorce of their parents may be irritable and may experience sudden mood swings. This can be true when they’re interacting with other kids or when they’re interacting with adults. It can get worse over time if not addressed, and can lead to a situation in which a child begins to withdraw from those around them.
There are potential long-term effects to keep an eye on
In addition to the short-term effects listed above, a child who goes through a parents’ rough divorce could be more prone to use drugs and alcohol, to have social problems, and to have trouble with their own romantic relationships. While these all seem like terrible effects – and they can be – they are not sure-fire effects. They’re simply what could happen if both parents don’t make their child a priority.
The best way you can help prevent your child from having to deal with any of these consequences of your divorce is to make sure that it’s as simple and straightforward as possible. Talk to your children and be honest about what’s happening. Answer their questions and let the know they can trust you. To get started on a compassionate divorce process, please reach out to Law Office of Michael L. Fell at 949-585-9055.