Divorce and its Affect on Children

Divorce and Its Affect on Children

Couples choosing to divorce are faced with issues and decisions that can hardly be understood by their children, even as the children’s future will weigh heavily in many of the court’s determinations. During this time, when emotions run high and affect the behavior of adults, parents need to remember to take time to explain what’s happening to children old enough to understand that their parents’ decision will have an affect on their lives too.

“Children are exposed to more adult language and behavior today than they use to be, with much of it not suitable for them. If divorcing parents remember to curb this behavior when the children are present, then children are less likely to experience many of the negative psychological effects of divorce,” said Norman Green, Senior Partner at Green & Metcalf of Vero Beach, FL.

Studies of children of divorce suggest that divorcing parents can benefit their children by stepping away from their animosity to explain what changes are coming and how they will affect the children. Including the children in events that will have an impact on their lives allows the time necessary for children to absorb the information and ask questions of their parents or even a family therapist if needed.

“An unfortunate fact of life is that children of divorce are twice as likely to have marriages that end in divorce. However, parents who are loving and consistent with their children throughout the divorce are more likely to have well-adjusted kids as they grow up,” Green said.

Norman A. Green is the founder and a partner of Green & Metcalf - Attorneys At Law. He has over 40 years of experience in the practice fields of criminal defense and family law (divorce, child custody, child support, paternity, modifications of existing orders, prenuptial agreements and alimony cases).