Children of Divorce Essay – Free Essay Example

Divorce happens when two adults decide that they can no longer cohabitate together. What if these two have children together? What happens to them? What impact does it have on kids? Does it impact their schooling? School can be challenging enough for kids but when that kid has a family that is going through a divorce it can make it even more challenging. According to Sasson, unfortunately, “more than 40% of American children will experience the divorce of their parents, which can lead to the upheaval of their home lives and potentially their school work.” (2014)

There are many different statistics out there that support the adverse effects divorce has on children. Children whose parents are going through a divorce can experience lower psychological health and this then impacts their education. Children who come from a home of divorced parents are twice as likely to have to repeat a grade in school. In the early months after a divorce students are less imaginative than their peers.

Many different factors can play into this. Divorce itself can be the cause of the inability to achieve in school. But so can the fact that when parents separate they are just not effective parents. Parents may be less likely to give appropriate supervision or care about their child’s education during a divorce because they are preoccupied with what is happening in their life at the time.

Some of the reactions children display can range from irritability to anxiety, or depression. Each of these factors effect social relationships and school performance. Children of divorced parents may receive lower grades and are less likely to do well in school. Children may regress in school. They may be more non-compliant than normal which could also affect their social relationships with peers. If a child has a poor visitation schedule and a difficult transition between their parents this may prevent him from functioning well in school. If the child comes from a single parent there may be less time and attention given to the child. Discipline may also suffer since parents often attempt to win over their children with bribery or no discipline.

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If the children come from a high-conflict family then the divorce could be seen as a relief for them and could have a positive impact. However, if the children’s family life was low-conflict then children may experience worse symptoms because this comes as a greater shock.

Students who have had to experience a parent go through repeated divorces will do much worse in school. These students are often seen by teachers as being less pleasant to be around. These students are less focused and have trouble concentrating on their schoolwork. More often than not, they blame themselves for their parents getting a divorce.

The most beneficial thing for a student who comes from a divorced house is when both parents continue to play a role in their child’s life. They need to set aside their negative feelings about each other and develop a business-like relationship for the sake of their children. If children can see the resolution of the problems among their parents they can learn important problem-solving skills. Parents should continue to communicate about their child’s needs, show respect, and try to provide the child with two sets of essentials so they are not carrying possessions from one house to another house if at all possible.

According to Emery, “children benefit from the same kind of parenting whether their parents live in one household or two, they benefit from warmth and structure.” (1999) A child’s relationship should be with both parents, be nurtured by both parents, but when it is from a divorce they should focus on sharing that parenting.

The better the home life the better the child will do in his or her education.