Know How Divorce Tends to Affect your Child’s Age
Group and Gender
Although there
are many other variables that can impact how a child is affected by his or her
parents’ divorce, the child’s age and gender can help parents predict and
recognize the mental health difficulties he or she faces. Boys tend to become
angry and aggressive and often show this by fighting and acting out in school. Girls
are more likely to become withdrawn and depressed.
Preschoolers and
school age children can suffer most from feeling like they have no control in a
divorce. Teenagers can feel betrayed and may become angry and attempt to be
more independent.
● Poor performance on schoolwork;
● Changed personality;
● Withdrawal from social activities;
● Changed eating or sleeping habits;
● Reduced self esteem; and
● An unwillingness to discuss the divorce or his or her feelings about it.
Encourage your
child to communicate with you about the divorce. If your child has questions,
answer them in an age-appropriate manner that provides enough information to
satisfy the question without overwhelming your child. Keep these discussions
positive – do not make negative comments about the divorce or your former
partner, no matter how you feel about them.
Help your Child Receive Help if Necessary
If you observe
one or more of the symptoms discussed above in your child, your child’s
pediatrician can refer him or her to a child psychologist or licensed
counselor. Consider working with a counselor who specifically handles
divorce-related issues in children. Your child’s school psychologist or
guidance counselor can also be a helpful resource for him or her. You, too, can
help your child during and after your divorce. Maintain structure in your
household, such as daily and weekly routines and a set of rules and
expectations. This can help your child feel secure and eliminate feelings of
confusion and anxiety.
Work with an Experienced Winter Park Divorce
Attorney
As a parent, it
can be difficult to know the right thing to do for your child when you are
going through a divorce. Understand that you are not alone and when you need
help for your child or yourself, your divorce
lawyer can point you in the right direction to
get that help. Contact The Law Offices of Aubrey Harry Ducker, Jr., P.L.C. in
Winter Park today to set up your initial consultation in our office.
