When parents in Ohio decide to end their marriage, their children face several potential issues. While some variables exist, such as the age of the children, certain impacts of divorce on children are universal.
Kids become angry
When children undergo the radical changes associated with a divorce, it’s not uncommon or unnatural for them to experience anger. The feeling of losing control of virtually everything leaves children looking for a way to express their fear. This fear often manifests itself as anger.
Problems at school
According to studies, children going through a divorce often receive lower grades. Older children whose parents choose to divorce experience higher dropout rates. Most experts agree that these academic issues typically stem from the added stress that children face during and after a divorce.
Becoming more withdrawn
While this is more common in younger children, some kids deal with the emotional turmoil of their parents’ divorce by becoming more socially withdrawn. This even occurs in older children who may stop participating in extracurricular activities.
Separation anxiety
Teenagers can typically understand what’s happening in their parent’s divorce, but younger children aren’t so sure. This leads to younger children experiencing separation anxiety when one parent drops them off for their scheduled time with another parent. Experts report that this separation anxiety is sometimes visible in children as young as six months old.
Picking sides
While parents should never put their children in a position where they feel they must pick a side in a divorce, some children do so naturally. It’s not uncommon for children, especially older children, to lash out at one parent when they blame them for the end of the marriage.
Awareness of children’s issues during and after a divorce equips parents to support their children better. While divorce primarily involves the parents, everyone in the family feels the impact.