Divorce and Children

No matter the form it takes, a divorce is sure to have a major impact on the everyday lives and emotional wellbeing of all children involved. The exact ways in which a child responds to the news of a divorce can vary widely, from apparent indifference to violent lashing out and all emotions in between.

One of the strongest predictors of a child’s reaction in this situation is his or her age. Obviously, a toddler is not going to experience the same set of feelings and thoughts as a teenager or a full-grown, independent adult. A breakdown of the behavior and emotions commonly experienced by children of various age groups during this potentially difficult time can be found below.

• Six to Eight Years: Although this is the point around which most children can start to fully grasp what a divorce actually means, many will respond by regressing emotionally, believing in a sort of “fairy-tale” scenario that will magically solve all of the problems at hand. Oftentimes, this belief involves the child assuming that he or she is somehow to blame for the separation, an idea which must be actively combated through affirmative statements. Children at this level also tend to be more vocal about their emotions.
• Nine to Twelve Years: Older school-age children are frequently preoccupied with the more practical concerns of a divorce – moving to a new home, changing schools and leaving friends, etc. While such an analytical bent is natural for kids in this age range, it can mask deeper emotional issues that may manifest as social withdrawal or simply “tuning out.”
• Adolescents: A divorce that coincides with a teen’s usual exploration of social boundaries and lifestyles can have serious ramifications. With a fractured sense of family support, these adolescents are more likely to engage in risky behavior and may bury deep-seated feelings of depression and anxiety. Extracurricular activities such as dance, drama, or music often provide a major moral and psychological boost to high school kids caught up in a separation.

Contact Us

If you are facing a divorce, you need a legal representative who has the best interests of you and your children at heart. To speak with an experienced Austin divorce lawyer, contact the law offices of Slater, Kennon & Pugh Ltd.LLP at 512-472-2431 today.