How Can a High-Conflict Divorce Affect My Children?

 Posted on June 05,2020 in Divorce

In today’s world, single-parent households are much more common than they were decades ago. According to the United States Census Bureau, more than 25 percent of American children do not live in a household with both of their parents. While not all children living with a single parent have experienced a divorce, many children have and they are typically able to cope with their parent’s divorce. However, the single factor that has been determined to harm children during a divorce is continued conflict between the parents. As stressful as a high-conflict divorce can be to you, it can be even more consequential for your children. 

Conflicted About Their Loyalty

Children are naturally loyal to both of their parents, but this can become conflicting for them during a divorce. When there is a lot of contention and disagreement in a divorce, the kids can feel like they are in the middle and must choose one parent over the other. When the children are with one parent, they miss the other parent and thus may feel guilty about that. The greater the degree of conflict between parents, the greater the loyalty conflict is.

Trouble Making Friends

Children who experience their parents’ high-conflict divorces also tend to have difficulty when it comes to socializing. Parents are supposed to serve as role models for how their children should behave, but when parents are constantly in conflict with one another, the kids may not have actually learned what true friendship means. They can have a hard time relating to other kids or developing a connection with their fellow peers. 

Constant Internal Stress

One of the biggest issues with subjecting children to a high-conflict divorce is that this often exposes them to constant stress. When tension and fighting exist in the home, children tend to develop mental health issues such as anxiety disorders and depression. These internalized feelings can also result in physical symptoms such as headaches, stomachaches, and sleeping issues.

Contact a Yorkville Divorce Lawyer

Regardless of the circumstances, divorce is difficult for most people. When your spouse insists on instigating conflict during the divorce, you need help from a knowledgeable Kendall County high-conflict divorce attorney. At the Law Office of Matthew M. Williams, P.C., we can help you navigate the legal proceedings to end your marriage. Although you cannot protect your children from all of the effects of your divorce, having an attorney on your side who can help facilitate communication and cooperation is helpful. To schedule a consultation, call our office today at 630-409-8184.

Sources:

https://www.psychiatrictimes.com/special-reports/children-high-conflict-divorce-face-many-challenges

https://www.mentalhelp.net/blogs/how-children-cope-with-high-conflict-divorce-how-are-they-harmed-and-what-can-parents-do-to-help-them/

https://www.census.gov/data/tables/2019/demo/families/cps-2019.html