What Affects a Child’s Adjustment to Changes in the Family Structure?

• The level of conflict

• A stable environment

• Maintaining relationships

• Compassionate and validating listening

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Children Have Been Witnesses Long Before the Breakup:

• If there was conflict, chronic anger, hostility, verbal abuse or physical violence, children’s healing resilience may be more complex.

• In these circumstances, children may experience relief after the breakup.

• Children may adjust over time but they are often badly affected by violence, even while simultaneously feeling relief.

• Parents can learn to handle conflict without violence or attempts to control the other parent.

• If there was little conflict before the breakup, children may be confused.

• Because they didn’t see much fighting, they may be shocked.

• They may distrust their parents.

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It’s Up to Parents and Families

• For the most part, children need the involvement of both parents in their lives

• Divorce affects children differently according to their stages of development

• During divorce, children experience a series of stages of grief and loss

• To make a difference in long-term wellness, it helps to develop positive ways of communicating, problem solving, and reducing conflict between parents and families.

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