Divorce is strenuous on any family, regardless of the relationship between the parents. However, divorces filled with animosity and bitterness can have increasingly dangerous and harmful side effects on children. If you are going through a negative divorce, then be mindful of the following four side effects on children.
1. Anxiety and Stress
During a divorce, children often experience high levels of anxiety and stress. They fear the future of their family, and they rarely possess the emotional acuity to rationalize the separation of their parents. Also, many children blame themselves for the disagreements their parents have, so in volatile divorces, these feelings can be amplified.
2. Mood Swings and Irritability
Since children have a hard time processing the situation, it is not uncommon for them to react with sudden mood swings and outbursts. They often struggle to put into words their emotions about the dissolution of their parent’s marriage, which can frustrate them, and unfortunately, there is no other outlet than tantrums and physical recourse.
3. Severe and Sudden Depression
Do not be surprised if, during a divorce, your child experiences sudden and powerful sadness or depression. They may struggle with the inability to see their parents together, or perhaps they are trying too hard to internalize their emotions. If your child is having a hard time with your contentious divorce, consider hiring a psychologist to speak with them.
4. Social and Relationship Trouble
An unfortunate side effect of divorce, especially bitter divorces, is the difficulty for children to form or maintain social and personal relationships. The psychological problems your child may face often depend on their current developmental state. Still, it is necessary to acknowledge any existing issues and to address them appropriately, which may require outside help.
While divorce is hard on everyone in the family, it is especially difficult for children. Before filing for a divorce, it is often wise to consult with a psychologist about the best way to inform your kids and to find healthy ways to deal with potential disagreements during court proceedings.
