We understand it is the last thing you want to believe is possible, that your child would be negatively impacted by divorce. The reality is that ending a marriage can be an emotional and stressful experience on the adults involved. Therefore, it is no shock that the kids would experience some hardship as a result of the family change.
A recent report gets more specific than merely suggesting that parents try to help their kids through a divorce. In certain situations, parents are the source of stress and they are not equipped with the knowledge that might be needed to address their kids’ hardships.
Some couples divorce while maintaining a friendly and healthy relationship. In these often uncontested and amicable divorces, kids might not endure as much stress due to their parents’ behaviors. When there is a significant level of hostility and disagreements between parents, however, kids are at-risk of experiencing medical or mental health setbacks.
According to the study published in Pediatrics, divorce can lead to some of the following medical issues among children:
- Potty training setbacks among younger children
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Stress-induced illnesses (stomach ache, headache, etc.)
If you are getting divorced and have kids, we have no doubt that they are your priority. While your divorce lawyer will fight for the future you want for you and your kids, this report suggests it may also be important for you to rely on the help of a trusted pediatrician.
Your health care provider can better assess a situation by knowing what’s happening with the family and by also knowing both parents. They can give advice regarding your child’s possible response to the divorce and refer you to more specialized help if necessary, such as a psychologist.
Choosing divorce is choosing a life change that will most definitely impact more than just you and your ex. While this can change your kids, with the adequate focus and support, your kids can be more than okay in the long-term lens of life.
