Impact of the Divorce Process on Children

No couple wants a divorce to happen at some point in their life. Of course, every couple must have tried to find a solution when a problem occurs. The impact of divorce on children is what often makes divorced couples feel guilty. The impact of divorce is felt so heavy on children that anger, loss of trust, depression, and anxiety are mixed together. Parents are the ones who have to help children get through all these feelings. The following are the effects of divorce on children:

Less Interaction with One Parent

When a divorce occurs, custody of the child will fall into the hands of one of the parents. This reduces the interaction of the child with one of the parents. Although ex-husband and wife can schedule parenting so that children still get time and love from both parents. In most divorce cases, it is the father figure who will rarely be met by the child. Apparently, the impact on children is quite significant. Children who grow up without a father figure will show more aggressive behavior, are easily depressed, have low self-esteem, perform poorly in school, and are easy to do things that are prohibited and challenging things, especially in their teens.

Changes in the Attitude of Parents who get Custody

Getting custody of a child can be a joy or a burden. No matter how hard the parents try to look strong, there are times when the burden is released and it makes the child affected. Moreover, if parents do not have a support system. Changes in post-divorce mothers are lack of attention, lack of affection, consistency in enforcing discipline decreases and becomes ineffective.

Toddlers Become more Spoiled

For toddlers who still depend a lot on their parents, divorce makes them more spoiled or dependent on their parents. The reason is that the world of toddlers is centered on their parents. The loss of stability creates feelings of worry, insecurity, and distrust, so children try to attract more attention from parents to ensure that they do not lose parental love. Regression or decline in life skills is also affected by increasing dependence on parents.

Teenagers become Independent and Like to Fight

In contrast to toddlers, the impact of divorce on teenagers is that they become more independent after divorce. Losing one parent makes them have to be able to rely on themselves in many situations. Whether living with their mother or father, teens must learn to quickly master the skills they need to carry out their daily activities.. Friends are the core of their life. The inability of parents to keep their commitment to raising their children in family ties makes them dare to make their own decisions.

Deteriorating Financial Condition

The economic impact of divorce is not necessarily felt by all children, but it can have a major impact if the divorce turns out to make them have to move to a smaller house, have to live in another family member’s house, or suddenly have to move house. Loss of material comfort of life.

Adapting to the New Environment

Divorce can make children have to move places, change schools, and leave an environment that feels safe and comfortable. In school-age children or adolescents, this can make children feel sad, disappointed with their parents, and fear that they will not be accepted in a new environment.

Experiencing Depression and Trauma

Divorce that occurs can cause depression and anxiety in children, regardless of their age, gender, and social culture. In adolescents, this can be exacerbated by a fall in self-esteem and the trauma of going through the same thing when they get married later.