The Effects of Divorce on Children and How to Help them Cope
11th September, 2024
Divorce is a difficult time for everyone involved, especially children. While some children may adjust quickly, others may experience a range of emotions, including sadness, anger, confusion, and anxiety.
How divorce can affect children
Every child reacts differently to divorce, but some common effects include:
Emotional distress: Sadness, anger, fear, and confusion are common. They may worry about the future, feel guilty, or miss the past.
Behavioural problems: Some children may regress, act out, or experience changes in sleep or eating patterns.
Academic difficulties: Children may struggle to concentrate in school or experience a decline in grades.
Ways of helping children cope
Open communication: Be honest and age-appropriate when discussing the divorce. Reassure them that you both love them and will continue to care for them.
Maintain routines: As much as possible, try to keep routines consistent, especially around bedtime and mealtimes. This provides a sense of stability during a time of change.
Listen and validate their feelings: Let your children know it’s okay to feel sad, angry, or confused. Be patient and listen without judgement.
Seek professional help: If you’re concerned about your children’s emotional well-being, consider consulting a therapist or counsellor who specialises in supporting children of divorce.
Discuss your children’s circumstances with their school: School is a safe haven for most children and the most consistent factor in their life. Ensure that the school is aware of changes in their situation so they can be extra vigilant and identify whether pastoral support would help them cope.
Co-Parenting Arrangements
The way you choose to co-parent can significantly impact your children’s adjustment. Here are some options:
Joint lives child arrangements orders: This determines where your children will live primarily. They may live with one parent full-time or split their time between both parents’ homes. It requires a high level of cooperation and clear communication between parents. Our divorce solicitors can help draft a parenting plan outlining these arrangements.
Child arrangements spend time with orders: These orders define how much time your children will spend with the non-resident parent.
Child maintenance: A child maintenance solicitor can help ensure a fair financial agreement is in place to support your children.
Birdnesting: This involves the children remaining in the family home, while the parents move in and out on a pre-determined schedule. This can be a good option for young children who find comfort in familiar surroundings. However, it requires strong communication and financial flexibility.
Don’t navigate divorce alone, Ward Hadaway can help
Divorce can be a complex process, especially when children are involved. Consulting with a divorce solicitor can help you navigate the legal aspects of your separation and ensure a fair outcome for everyone.
By prioritising open communication, providing stability, and seeking professional help when needed, you can help your children adjust to the changes brought about by divorce and build a healthy future for your entire family. Contact us for support.
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Please note that this briefing is designed to be informative, not advisory and represents our understanding of English law and practice as at the date indicated. We would always recommend that you should seek specific guidance on any particular legal issue.
This page may contain links that direct you to third party websites. We have no control over and are not responsible for the content, use by you or availability of those third party websites, for any products or services you buy through those sites or for the treatment of any personal information you provide to the third party.
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