Denton Divorce Lawyers

The Influence of Divorce on Child Behavior

For both children and adults, divorce can be a traumatic and life-changing experience. When a young child is subjected to the parents' divorce, the only way to react may be channeled into behavioral issues rather than presented as dislike or anger towards the parents.

Although seeing parents go through a divorce opens up doors for problems with children, it does not always condemn the children to behavioral issues.

Common Problems for Children of Divorce

Several issues that seem to be prevalent with children whose parents divorced while the child was between the ages of 2 and 12 include:

• Aggression
• Problems submitting to authority
• Little or no self-confidence, sometimes leading to depression
• Difficulty with people skills and getting along with other people
• Increased risk of participating in delinquent behavior, such as drug usage, early sexual activities, and alcohol experimentation
• Inability or difficulty forming intimate relationships when older

Other Variables

Of course, a 2-year-old will more than likely not react the same way as a 12-year-old when the parents of the children get a divorce. Younger children tend to feel more abandoned and hope that the parents get back together. Older children tend to feel as if they have to “pick” one parent over the other.

Also, some studies have shown differences in the reactions between boys and girls, but other studies have not replicated the results. Girls and boys are inherently different in their behavior even before a divorce, so they can vary in the way a divorce changes their attitudes.

Contact Us

Divorce is not always easy, but sometimes it is the best choice for everyone involved. If you or someone you know needs help with divorce, contact the Denton divorce lawyers of Alexander & Associates at 972-420-6560 today.