How Will Children React to Divorce

HOW WILL CHILDREN REACT TO DIVORCE? ***** Normal reactions to separation and divorce Although strong feelings can be tough on kids, the following reactions can be considered normal for children. ANGER YOUR KIDS MAY EXPRESS THEIR ANGER, RAGE, AND RESENTMENT WITH YOU AND YOUR SPOUSE FOR DESTROYING THEIR SENSE OF STABILITY. IT IS NATURAL FOR CHILDREN TO FEEL ANXIQUS WHEN ANXIETY FACED WITH BIG CHANGES IN THEIR LIVES. MILD DEPRESSION SADNESS ABOUT THE FAMILYS NEW SITUATION IS NORMAL, AND SADNESS COUPLED WITH A SENSE OF HOPELESSNESS AND HELPLESSNESS IS LIKELY TO BECOME A MILD FORM OF DEPRESSION. Red flags for more serious problems SLEEP PROBLEMS POOR CONCENTRATION TROUBLE AT SCHOOL DRUG OR ALCOHOL ABUSE SELF-INJURY, CUTTING, OR EATING DISORDERS FREQUENT ANGRY OR VIOLENT OUTBURSTS WITHDRAWAL FROM LOVED ONES REFUSAL OF LOVED ACTIVITIES Helping Children Cope LET YOUR KIDS KNOW THAT EVEN THOUGH THE PHYSICAL CIRCUMSTANCES OF THE FAMILY UNIT WILL CHANGE, THEY CAN CONTINUE TO HAVE HEALTHY, LOVING RELATIONSHIPS WITH BOTH OF THEIR PARENTS. TELL KIDS THAT THINGS WON'T ALWAYS BE EASY, BUT THAT THEY WILL WORK OUT. KNOWING IT'LL BE ALL RIGHT CAN PROVIDE INCENTIVE FOR YOUR KIDS TO GIVE A NEW SITUATION A CHANCE. PHYSICAL CLOSENESS-IN THE FORM OF HUGS, PATS ON THE SHOULDER, OR SIMPLE PROXIMITY-HAS A POWERFUL WAY OF REASSURING YOUR CHILD OF YOUR LOVE. BE HONEST. WHEN KIDS RAISE CONCERNS OR ANXIETIES, RESPOND TRUTHFULLY. IF YOU DON'T KNOW THE ANSWER, SAY GENTLY THAT YOU AREN'T SURE RIGHT NOW, BUT YOU'LL FIND OUT AND IT WILL BE OKAY. Data is sourced from: http://www.helpgulde.org/mental/chldren_divorce.htm Created by: TorontoDivorceLaw.com | Infographic Design by: SmallBusinessOnlineCoach.com