The impact of divorce on children
Every family's experience with divorce or separation is different, which means children can react in various ways. Factors like their age, how well their parents cope, changes in living situations, and the child's unique personality all influence how they respond and adjust afterward. As teachers, we can observe a child's performance in tasks, their participation, interactions with others, and overall physical well-being.
Children may show signs of anxiety, sadness, rejection, sensitivity, illness, anger, disengagement, and confusion, and these responses can vary by age and other factors. A major influence on how children react to their parents' separation or divorce is the level of conflict they witness. High levels of conflict can increase anxiety, regardless of whether parents are together or apart.
How parents argue can impact children's well-being, leading to difficulties concentrating and can even manifest in physical symptoms like stomach pain. (The impact of divorce on children: Tamara D. Afifi)
Behavioral Changes
Babies and toddlers: fussiness and irritability, increased fear, distress during separation, developmental regression (toileting and sleeping trouble)
Preschoolers: separation anxiety, developmental regression, complaining of headaches and stomach aches, trouble eating and sleeping, fantasizing about parent reunification or seeing a parent, increased aggression such as biting and hitting, defiance, decrease in attention, and nightmares
School-Aged children: difficulty concentrating, mood swings, self-blame, fantasizing about parent reunification, withdrawal, frustration, feeling abandonment, taking sides with one parent
Adolescents: Withdrawal, substance abuse, taking on adult roles, deidealizing one or both parents (Cohen, G, J, MD. Weitzman C, C. MD).
Academic Impact
Research shows that academic success often declines after a divorce (How does divorce impact children's education? A closer look) due to factors like emotional distress, decreased concentration, reduced parental involvement, disruptions to routines, and economic changes. Have an awareness that this is a longer process that has many stages. Student's academics may be impacted beyond the initial crisis.
Closely observe behavioral changes such as academic decline, lack of attention, anxiety or other emotional distress and notify parents at appropriate times while remaining non judgemental. (Green, K. McAllister, M. Metcalf)
References
Cohen, G, J, MD. Weitzman C, C. MD (2016) Helping children and families deal with divorce and separation. The American Academy of Pediatrics / Clinical Report. https://publications.aap.org/pediatrics/article/138/6/e20163020/52651/Helping-Children-and-Families-Deal-With-Divorce?autologincheck=redirected
Green, K. McAllister, M. Metcalf, S. Divorce: recommendations for teachers and parents. https://www.education.udel.edu/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/Divorce.pdf
TedxTalks (2012) The impact of divorce on children: Tamara D. Afifi at TEDxUCSB [video]. TEDTalks. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cKcNyfXbQzQ.
(2023 June 15) How does divorce impact children's education? a closer look. Retrieved (November 5th 2024) from https://divorce-education.com/how-does-divorce-affect-childrens-education/#chapter-1