Divorce Information

Divorce and Separation - A Child's Perspective


It is always the children that suffer the most when a marriage breaks down and separation or divorce is imminent. Children of divorcing parents often witness arguments even rows and this has a strong effect on any child. Children do not understand why parents argue and cannot relate to rows during the build up to a divorce or seperation. They become confused and insecure and their life seems as if it is in turmoil. Here we explain some of the issues from a child's perspective.

Children do not understand why parents no longer love each other and cannot stay together. Prior to divorce or separation they have only known that happy caring family environment which they were brought into. To them their world has been turned upside down and they cannot see why. If parents loved each other in the past, then why can't they love one another in the future.

Children often believe that they could be the reason for a break up in a marriage which can result in long term damaging guilt complexes. A child's character often changes during divorce or separation when things are not normal at home. Children can be very sensitive to the emotional environment.

During divorce or separation many children become disruptive at school, argumentative at home and some even go into a recluse. This can be a very lonely time, particularly if they are an only child. Their friends are not going through what they are emotionally. Hence they feel that they are the odd one out all of a sudden and do not know how to cope with the situation. All they want is for their life to go back to a normal family life where parents don't argue and row as it may have been before the stress of divorce or seperation.

When a couple decide that divorce is the only option and separation is a necessity, children are again the ones that it effects the most. They are told that they will be with one parent one day and the other the next. How are they supposed to form any kind of routine ? This can often result in children not sleeping in their own beds as they prefer the comfort and security of being with a parent. Children often feel insecure and are most vulnerable even at school when they listen to their friends planning family outings and holidays.

Children of divorcing parents can feel as though they are going to miss out on family events and get togethers. During a divorce each parent makes separate commitments to a child and It is important that when arrangements have been made by the parent or parents that they keep to them as the child will feel let down and resent a parent for not being there for them after they had said they would. Reliability and punctuality are of utmost importance to a child. They will clock watch and expect to see you on time and have been looking forward to spending time with you wherever you decide to take them. In a child's eyes it's you they want to be with and it's your time spent with them that's most important to them even after the divorce or separation.

Divorce can bring our the worst in people. Never run down the other parent in front of your child. This creates resentment and bad feelings all round. Also, never think that you can buy a child if you are late or fail to follow through with your promise. Although you may think that you are doing good for buying your child a toy to impress them - think again - keep that special toy for a birthday or Christmas present. Your time to be with them is much more valuable than a toy. Even after the divorce or separation they will remember where you took them and what a fantastic time you both had rather than a toy. They will talk about your outing or time together for days because it meant so much to them to see you and have you all to themselves. Quality time rather than quantity of toys is far more important to a child.

These are just some of the issues children face when parents are going through the throws of a divorce or separation and every attempt should be made by divorcing parents to limit or reduce these adverse affects upon children.

Jenny Clair is the editor of Marriage-Divorce-Separation.com an article based web site exploring the human side of marriage breakdowns, divorce and separation situations.

http://www.marriage-divorce-separation.com


MORE RESOURCES:

Washington Post

Divorce papers reveal Hulk Hogan's net worth
The Associated Press - Sep 5, 2008
... are among the average monthly expenses for Hulk Hogan's wife, according to financial affidavits filed in the couple's impending divorce case near Tampa. ...
Hulk Hogans divorce papers show net worth 32 million Divorce Diva
Hulk Hogan Divorce Papers Indicate Net Worth at $32 Million TransWorldNews (press release)
Divorce papers reveal Hogan finances, spending Fort Mills Times
CBS 4 - Vero Beach Press-Journal (subscription)
all 268 news articles


Divorce kids get cash boost
NEWS.com.au, Australia - 12 hours ago
By Glenn Milne CHILDREN displaced and emotionally wounded by their parents' divorce will get new support under measures announced by the Rudd Government. ...
$17m to ease strain of family break-ups Sydney Morning Herald
$17m boost for kids of divorce Northern Territory
all 39 news articles


New Initiative to Support Families Experiencing Separation and Divorce
MarketWatch - 14 hours ago
"This is a good day for Canadian families dealing with the painful realities of separation and divorce," said Minister Nicholson. "The Government is taking ...


Washington Post

Sarah Palin’s Alleged ‘Partner’ Orders Divorce Records Sealed
Gay Wired, CA - 12 hours ago
Now, Andrew Sullivan over at The Atlantic is claiming the rumored beau’s legal team has filed an emergency order to have his divorce records sealed. ...
Video: Hardcore conservatives rally around Sarah Palin france24english
Candidates often reflect human shortcomings AZ Central.com
Behind The Ticket's Two Faces Bill Curry Hartford Courant
East Valley Tribune - Telegraph.co.uk
all 936 news articles


Public Display
Washington Post, United States - 18 hours ago
With the McCains, we see another stepfamily, formed this time after the senator's divorce. Their family also includes Bridget, a daughter adopted from ...
Convention Perspective: Family still mostly off-limits Boston Globe
Married Liberals With Children Town Hall
all 6 news articles


Indian divorce ruling may impact rich British separation payouts
Economic Times, India - Sep 5, 2008
LONDON: Wealthy businessmen and women in Britain could start moving their assets offshore to avoid huge divorce payouts following a landmark court ruling in ...


Showbiz Spy

Kate Hudson's great divorce
China Daily, China - Sep 3, 2008
Kate Hudson says her divorce from Chris Robinson was the "best thing that ever happened" to her. The 'Fool's Gold' actress - who has a four-year-old son ...
Kate Hudson thinks her divorce was the best thing to happen Metro
Kate Hudson: Divorce Was Great For Us Hollyscoop
Kate Hudson Does Cosmopolitan Right Celebrity
Oneindia - Now Magazine Online
all 98 news articles


Divorce Attorneys And How To Pick The Best One You Can Afford!
Corsavoo.com, France - 13 hours ago
So, let us start from the basics on how to find the perfect divorce attorneys. First of all, you must be aware of the fact that this process takes time and ...


Crain's Chicago Business

Divorce brings claim of family conspiracy
Crain's Chicago Business, IL - 9 hours ago
David "Buzz" Ruttenberg, one of the city's top commercial real estate developers, is embroiled in a divorce war between his son, Geoffrey, ...


Zionsville Presbyterian offering divorce counseling
Indianapolis Star, United States - Sep 5, 2008
It's hard to know how to help someone who is going through a divorce. It takes a long time and a lot of work to heal the pain that comes with the breakup of ...

Divorce - Google News

home | site map
© 2006