When a marriage dissolves, it is almost always a distressing time and experience for everyone involved. Not only does divorce typically lead to intense underlying emotional challenges, but there are also practical, legal, financial, and parental challenges and changes on top of it.
After a divorce, it can take years to recover. But if it’s necessary, it can also save you from even more years of emotional struggles. So, when a marriage comes to an end, both people must accept the failure of their relationship and understand their roles in that. In many cases, it is also helpful for both partners to establish rules that limit contact. Having a counselor to walk you through it and provide perspective can be incredibly helpful.
Divorce is a major life challenge some relationships face because it means letting go of their dreams or expectations and accepting that they must start leading independent lives - emotionally and often financially. Still, the hardest part of a divorce for parents is spending less time with their kids. And kids feel the impact as well.
While each child will react differently, divorce can often lead them to feel confused, angry, scared, or disappointed in their parents. The changes are stressful for them, especially when it involves moving out of their home. If emotional struggles persist for them, it can lead to increased irritability and anxiety, trouble sleeping or focusing on school, social withdrawal, and behavioral problems.
The best thing parents can do is tailor their response to the needs of each child. In most cases, the impact of divorce on kids resolves after a year or two. No matter what, they need to be reassured that they are loved and will not be abandoned.
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