Divorce is a stressful and confusing time for children of all ages. It is not uncommon for children to partially blame themselves for the separation, and often they are not sure what the future holds for them if their parents are no longer married. No matter how hard parents work to maintain the routines of their children, it is not unusual for children to have issues. The emotional turmoil that a child experiences during a divorce can manifest in many different ways. Being aware of common issues children have during a divorce helps parents to provide the best emotional support possible.
Difficulty in School
School age children who have parents who are going through a divorce will often begin having trouble in their classes. Changes in grades are usually the first thing that parents notice, especially if the child was always a good student. Teachers might notice a change in habits such as homework being turned in late or test scores dropping. Stress and an inability to concentrate can make it nearly impossible for children to maintain their pre-divorce grade point average.
Reduced Interaction with Friends and Family
Children who are upset or depressed by the divorce of their parents often become emotionally withdrawn. A child who is unhappy may not communicate with family members or even close friends, becoming withdrawn or secretive. In many situations, a child who is an active participate in sports, school activities, or clubs may suddenly decide to quit these activities. Children who do not immediately quit may simply stop attending practices or other meetings until their lack of participation is drawn to the attention of parents by teachers or coaches.
Behavioral Problems
Along with a noticeable lack of interest in school, family life, and school activities some children will begin exhibiting behavioral problems. Being disrespectful to teachers, rude to parents, and hostile to other children is behavior that is common during a divorce. Boys are more likely to begin acting out in obvious ways than girls. Even though boys are more likely to be involved in fighting or other types of bad behavior, girls can misbehave in other ways such as breaking curfew or talking to people without their parent’s permission.
Seeking Help
Parents are often afraid to discuss the behavioral issues of their children for fear that the behavior reflects badly on their parenting or because they feel guilty about their divorce starting the problem. In reality, behavior problems in children that are associated with divorce are common. If your family is having problems associated with a divorce consider discussing the situation with your divorce attorney. The attorneys at Vayman & Teitelbaum have assisted in divorce cases involving children and can provide advice regarding parenting time or visitations in order to help your family during this trying time. With offices conveniently located in Alpharetta, Lawrenceville, Cummings, and Marietta our law firm is able to assist you during your divorce. Contact us today at 678-736-7700 to schedule a consultation to discuss your unique situation.
