Consequences of divorce in children by age

The children of divorced or separate fathers They present, as a group, more behavioral and/or personal problems because divorce is usually an event that is lived negatively. The variety of forms of response and consequences of divorce is broad, in this psychology-line article we will focus on addressing The consequences by age ranges, since it is a variable to take into account by how it affects different forms both emotionally, academically, work, etc.

1. How does divorce affect babies?
2. How does divorce affect children of preschool age?
3. How does divorce affect preteens and adolescents divorce?
4. Biological, psychological and social consequences of divorce in adolescents

How does divorce affect babies?

When talking about divorce and children are babies, normally fathers and mothers tend to think that they do not suffer any type of consequence because they believe they do not perceive things, however, this is not so, babies can also develop symptoms Divorce derivatives. Some of the observable consequences in babies are:

• Irritability.
• Inconsolatable crying.
• Tantrums.
• Hyperactivity.
• Sleep difficulties.
• Nightmares.
• Rejection of food.
• Stomachache.

On the part of the parents, the best way to act to help and not harm their child is as follows:

• Maintain such a "civilized" relationship as possible between them and with grandparents or other relatives or caregivers.
• The parent who does not live regularly and gives preference to the home, taking care to maintain a calm climate during these visits.
• Make many caresses, pampering, hugs and games.

How does divorce affect children of preschool age?

Children of preschool age have less capacity to evaluate the causes and consequences of separation as well as to face stressful events and use extra -family resources. It is more likely at this age to experience feelings of self -cup or abandonment, those who live divorce before the age of 8 can experience during adolescence anxiety, hyperactivity, disobedience and/or challenging behaviors.

According to various studies, preschool initially present a deep disorder, regressive behaviors and intense anxiety For fear of abandonment. In the case of girls, after the eighteen months they seem to recover, but instead boys can continue the same or even worse. When time passes, the adaptation will depend on the quality with which it is taken at the family level. Once they get to adolescence, that is, after about ten years, they will not normally remember how the rupture was and how the family was before the separation. In general terms, children who live divorce in the preschool stage are the most affected in the short term but Those that best adapt in the long term.

How does divorce affect preteens and adolescents divorce?

Preteen normally feel helpless and live the separation in a fearful way. They tend to be on the part of a parent or none and usually also experience anger Towards two or one. He academic performance usually goes down, getting to maintain the descent throughout the year of separation.

In adolescence the main consequences are: initially, Acute depression and antisocial behavior, regressive behaviors (social, emotional isolation ...) and anxiety for the future. 18 months later there is usually a worsening of all those who at first seemed adapted to the situation, especially in the case of men. Finally, as for preschool children, five years later the adaptation and acceptance will vary depending on family quality.

Biological, psychological and social consequences of divorce in adolescents

According to several studies, the consequences are given in different areas. For teenage sons and daughters we find the following:

Psychological consequences

It has been found that adolescent biological sons and daughters of divorced fathers and mothers show more behavior problems, low self -esteem, abuse of substances and problems of social adaptation that the children of non -divorced parents. In the following articles you will find resources to work self -esteem in adolescents and prevent drug addiction in adolescents.

Adolescents must deal with elements of insecurity and abandonment, but do it properly, they can end up deriving the problems of adjustments at the psychological level for them. External consequences would appear in the form of general adaptation and aggressive behaviors. Internally, disorders of anxiety, depression, withdrawal and somatic disorders.

Social consequences

One of the most attention spotlights, because it is at this stage where adolescents begin to separate from the family to join more with their sphere of friendships. This could lead to a great Lack of communication with parents, Lack of commitment, of interest ... being able to give rise to a loss of the bond that affects it negatively and therefore, also to a loss of limits and a feeling of lack of protection. At the social level, it is more prone than these adolescents fall into more risky behaviors or academic difficulties, it could even make the adolescent seek support in gangs and criminal groups.

On the other hand, we also find some positive consequences: separation in adolescent children can lead the child to adopt greater sensitivity and to try more attention to solve problems That happen to you. The effects will also depend on how the adolescent perceives divorce: if as a betrayal, a solution or other loving opportunity.

Here you will find more information about the behavior and emotions of the children of separate parents.

This article is merely informative, in psychology-online we have no power to make a diagnosis or recommend a treatment. We invite you to go to a psychologist to treat your particular case.

If you want to read more articles similar to Consequences of divorce in children by age, We recommend that you enter our category of emotional and behavioral disorders.