How Can a Michigan Divorce Affect My Children?

 Posted on June 09, 2021 in Divorce

Not all marriages have a happy ending. While most people go into a marriage thinking it will last for the rest of their lives, some marriages do end in divorce. Divorce is not uncommon in the United States; depending on the source that is consulted, anywhere from 35 to 50 percent of couples who get married will eventually end up getting a divorce at some point. For many couples who have children, one of the biggest uncertainties that they must deal with is wondering how the divorce will affect their children.

Divorce May Not Be as Harmful as You Think

Many people believe that divorce is one of the worst things that you could subject your children to. While it would be a lie to say that divorce does not affect children, it is not always as harmful as parents fear. In fact, there have been multiple studies conducted that have found that it is not divorce, specifically, that has a negative effect on children — it is conflict. When parents subject their children to constant conflict is when their children can suffer from various negative effects, such as behavioral issues and trouble with future romantic relationships.

Signs to Watch For

Even during the most amicable of divorces, children can be affected by their parents’ split. If you feel overwhelmed, your children likely feel even more overwhelmed than you. Here are a few signs that your child may be struggling with your divorce:

• They may begin to have trouble in school, or their grades may begin to drop.
• Your children might begin to exhibit anger symptoms or other out-of-character behavior.
• Small children may regress and begin to exhibit symptoms of phases they have already grown out of, such as a toilet-trained child suddenly having accidents.
• They may begin to have trouble sleeping or nightmares.
• Your children may experience a change in eating habits, such as eating more or less than they usually do; and
• Older children may experiment with risky behaviors that might include drug or alcohol use and sexual promiscuity. 

Contact a Farmington Hills, MI Divorce Attorney Today

Getting a divorce is sometimes the best decision you can make for your family. If you have been considering divorce, you should speak with a knowledgeable Oakland County divorce lawyer. At Elkouri Heath, PLC, we can help you understand what your options are for ending your marriage in as amicable a way as possible. To schedule a free consultation, call our office today at 248-344-9700.

Sources:

https://www.healthline.com/health/parenting/effects-of-divorce-on-children#anger

https://www.verywellfamily.com/psychological-effects-of-divorce-on-kids-4140170