How Divorce Impacts Kids

Divorce can impact kids in many different ways, ultimately affecting them psychologically, emotionally, behaviorally, and physically. According to Healthline, kids can experience a range of emotions after a divorce that can change their behavior, and sometimes their emotional reactions can have effects on their social habits, as well as their own eating and sleeping patterns. The following are some of the key ways in which divorce can affect children.

Anger and Emotional Changes

Especially when divorces are contentious, or when kids do not understand why their parents are divorcing or when they believe they are to blame, kids can experience anger and other emotional changes. As Healthline explains, children can feel abandoned when they learn that a parent is moving out and that a divorce is imminent, and they often feel like they are losing control over their lives if they do not have a clear sense of what is to come in the future concerning their residence(s), their school, and their relationship with each parent. Parents can help to limit these feelings by working with a psychologist, by being as open and honest with their kids as possible, and by working toward an effective co-parenting situation.

Social Withdrawal

Many kids, both young children and teens, will begin to withdraw socially and to go through experiences of anxiety and depression in connection with a complex or difficult divorce. It is especially important for parents to look for signs of depression and anxiety in their kids and to seek help doing so from teachers, coaches, and other adults who play important roles in their kids’ lives. Kids experiencing depression and anxiety can also have trouble sleeping, or their sleeping and eating patterns may change. If it does seem as though your child is withdrawing socially or losing interest in their regular activities or friendships, it is important to seek help from a psychologist with experience working with kids in divorces. 

Academic Problems

When children are struggling with divorce, they may begin to have academic problems. They might have difficulty focusing on schoolwork, and their grades could drop. If you notice a change in your child’s academic work or a lack of interest in school, it will be important to take steps to deal with the impact of your divorce on your child’s education.

Risk-Taking and Dangerous Behaviors

For teens in particular, a difficult divorce can lead to risky behaviors. Healthline points out that drug and alcohol abuse can be a risk factor for kids who are experiencing a divorce, especially when they do not have ways of voicing their feelings and learning to thrive in a new family dynamic.

Contact Our Illinois Divorce Attorneys

Do you need assistance going through a divorce case involving kids? We know how difficult and complex divorces can be when there are minor children from the marriage. Our experienced Illinois divorce attorneys in Chicago are here to assist you. We represent mothers in divorces impacting children in Cook County, Lake County, and DuPage County. Whether you are located in Chicago, Lake Forest, or Lisle, our firm is here to assist you. Contact Women’s Divorce & Family Law Group today to learn more about the services we provide.