If you are considering a divorce and have children, one of the reasons you may be wanting to stay married is because of the impact of the divorce on your kids. We hope the information in this article will help you to determine what is best for you, so you can be confident in your decision. If you do choose to move forward with your divorce with children, Simon Law would value your business. Experience matters.The Impact of Divorce on ChildrenHow a divorce impacts children has a lot to do the nature of the relationship prior to the divorce, how parents handle it, the children’s temperament, as well as their age. There is no one-hundred percent know effect. Here’s what is known, however.First, divorce is a big change for a child, just like moving cities or changing schools. Not only are kids having to deal with the separation of their parents, they may also have to split their time between households, as well.Secondly, divorce does have an emotional impact. Your child may experience fear, anxiety and/or anger about what will happen. A child might become aggressive/rebellious, or the opposite and regress. Psychology Today says this can look like “separation anxieties, crying at bed times, breaking toilet training, bed-wetting, clinging, whining, tantrums, and temporary loss of established self-care skills”. These behaviors get the parent to give attention to the child.

With any large change for a child, it is important to establish routines that create a new normal, and reassure children that everything will work out.

A sad fact is that about 50% of children have experienced a parental divorce by the time they are 16 years old. (Source: The Psychological Effects of Divorce on Children) The interesting fact is that the potential impacts for both children of divorce, and children with parents who fight in front of them, include an increased risk for mental health problems, behavior problems, and a higher likelihood for risky behavior. (Source: How Parents Fighting Affects a Child’s Mental Health)

Questions to Ask Yourself

What impact could staying together have on your children’s physical and/or emotional safety? If you or your children are unsafe, it is important you get safe as soon as possible. Click here for resources in Arizona for Domestic Violence.

What impact could divorcing have on your children’s emotional wellbeing? What proactive and long-term strategies could you put into place to support your child before, during and after the divorce?

With over 20 years of experience in family law, Simon Law Group is more than just a good divorce and family law attorney in Arizona. They have the credentials and experience to make sure you have a successful divorce. Call 480-745-2450 today for your free consultation, and remember, Experience Matters!