Divorce impacts the entire family. While a divorce may be in the best interests of you and your children, the adjustment is still rough on all parties involved. To help your kids adjust and move forward healthily, it is critical that you can recognize potential issues.
Kids may express their feelings in a variety of different ways, dependent on the child and situation.
Children’s academic performances may slip
Kids may have difficulty focusing at school as they acclimate to the divorce. When children go through a divorce, they statistically earn lower grades than their peers. The drop in academic performance may occur because of depression or distractions from their home life.
Children may become withdrawn or anxious
While it is normal to feel low or upset after a divorce, those feelings can result in the development of clinical depression. Depression can strike kids of any age but occurs more often in kids 11 years or older. In addition to depression, kids may experience anxiety. If your social child suddenly becomes distant or withdrawn, they may be battling mental health issues.
Routines and behavior may begin to change
Many kids experience changes in their overall routine. They may have difficulty sleeping or may alter their eating habits. Some kids may start to overeat, whereas others will eat too little. Younger kids can begin to regress or will begin to believe in monsters or other fantastical creatures.
Temporary changes are normal, but if you do not acknowledge the changes in your children, they may become more chronic. Recognizing behavioral changes allows you to seek help promptly.