While ending a marriage may be difficult for a Washington couple that is getting the divorce, it can be equally difficult for their children. Children that have to witness their parents splitting apart can experience a lot of emotional turmoil, regardless of their age. Here are a few of the psychological effects a divorce may have on your children.
Emotional trauma
As a result of your divorce, your children may get psychologically impacted in a variety of ways. They may become angry due to the fact that their life is now being upended and rearranged with them unable to have much of a say in it.
They also might become depressed, thinking that they might be the reason their parents are getting divorced. They may also feel like their parents could potentially stop loving them, because from their perspective, their parents stop loving each other.
Other aspects of your child’s life may suffer as well, including how social they are and their grades. With all the stuff going on at home, it’s hard for them to focus on school, and they might seem distant to their friends.
Choosing sides
Another unfortunate result that may occur due to a divorce is your child picking a side. Many children feel uncomfortable being neutral in these type of situations, so they will decide which parent they think is more in the right and become closer to that parent. As they grow older, they may even choose to stop talking to the parent they believe cause the divorce, but the parent that they decide is right might change over time.
Whether your child is in elementary school, middle school or high school, getting a divorce is going to affect them in one way or another. It is important for you to be there for them, support them, and guide them through this difficult time.
