Effects of Divorce on Child
Children depend on parents for food shelter and clothing. But the role of parent far exceeds these basic
necessities with the effects of divorce on children potentially repressing normal development. Parents provide
stability and guidance throughout the emotional and intellectual development of their children. Parents are role
models who greatly influence their children by setting examples. Whether intentional, unintentional, or
misunderstood, children emulate parental conduct. A child's loss of daily access to one parents presence
undermines this stability and family trust. All things are cast in doubt in a child's eyes, despite all lectures
and assurances to the contrary, because they watched their parents break a promise, and one walked away.
Effects on Children & Child Support
It seems logical that the older children are when separation occurs, that they would be better equipped to
deal with the loss of a parent. After all, older children are more mature and enjoyed the benefit of a parents
presence for a longer time. Studies do not support this logic. To the contrary, most major studies of the
effects of divorce on children suggest that greater attachments are formed and lost, while younger children,
with less contact and bonding, more easily accept the loss of a parent. Likewise, after parental separation, the
results are mixed on the benefit to a child from periodic visitation from an absent parent. Children often find
visitation confusing - - a tumultuous mix of anxiety, resentment and false hope. Payment of child support is
insignificant.
Effects on Children - Emotional Stress
By accumulating slowly, the effects of stress may go unnoticed yet will eventually manifest in behavioral
changes. The causes of stress from the effects of divorce on children include: parental loss, lack of trust,
parental conflict, and economic hardship despite payment of child support. Questions also loom large in a
child's mind: What did I do wrong? What if I lose both parents? What will happen next? Will I
be punished again? Why doesn't someone care about me?
See Also:
Child Support - Divorce Advice,
Child Support - Effects of Divorce on Children,
Child Support - Divorce Information,
Child Support - Custody Information
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