Dealing with divorce is not something that parents and children may be able to handle alone. That is why it is important for adults to take the lead in reaching out and getting help when a marriage ends. People in North Carolina might like to know more about helping kids when a divorce occurs.
A report published in the Nov. 2016 issue of “Pediatrics” found that children experience many behavioral changes when parents break up. Reactions might include problems at school, anxiety and self-blame. One important factor that determines how children handle a divorce is how parents function after the split.
The psychological state of a parent can influence a child who is trying to cope with a divorce, so it is important for parents to know when they need help. Parents might need a support group or talk therapy to deal with their emotions. If a parent is handling a divorce well, they are typically better equipped to focus on the needs of their children. A child might also need assistance from a therapist or pediatrician.
There are around 800,000 divorces in America every year, and these divorces affect about one million children. The problems that kids face after divorce generally begin within a year and last two or three years. Children might have a more difficult time during the holidays and around special events.
While changes will occur with any divorce, it is typically best for parents to maintain a child’s routines when possible. This might include keeping a child or children in the same home, attending the same school and staying engaged with friends and extracurricular activities. Parents may need to work together to ensure a smooth transition during and after a divorce. Mediation or negotiation might help a couple work out communication issues when forming a parenting plan.