Children are often the unfortunate victims of divorce. Even in cases where there is not substantial abuse being served upon the children or the spouse, it is still an emotionally trying experience.
Importantly, most children cannot understand how parents can stop loving each other or how they can no longer desire to live together. Many children feel partially responsible, especially if the children and/or parenting issues have been a source of conflict between the parents. There is often a feeling of betrayal, fear, abandonment and the like.
Teenagers tend to cope better during divorce and are better able to adjust after divorce than younger children. Additionally, girls usually do better than boys. But all kids are emotionally affected by divorce, including any stepchildren and grandchildren, and even adult children.
As a rule of thumb, putting the children’s interests first can help insure that the impact and effect on children will be minimized.
