Behavior Problems from Divorced Parents

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Behavior Problems of Children from Divorced Parents Behavior Problems of Children from Divorced Parents Most of us know adults who have went through a divorce, and a lot of divorces or separations involve children. Clarke-Stewart (2006) explains that almost one million children go through a parental divorce each year. That means almost half of the children that are born into married couples, end up in a broken home. As parents we may not realize that divorce is a process, and it is not just the end result of a marriage (Clark, 2013). Fights and abuse that occur during the marriage can effect children, just like the ending separation can (Woodward, Fergusson, & Belsky, 2000). The steps that parents take, throughout the process of a divorce can change how the children are effected by the break up. However, even in a story book divorce, parental separation will probably have adverse effects on the children (Woodward, Fergusson, & Belsky, 2000). Studies show that children who come from divorced families are less affectionate and less positive (Clarke-Stewart & Brentano, 2006). Some of the adverse effects on children going through a divorce may involve behavioral problems, rebellion, anger, hurt feelings, abandonment fears, poor grades and stress. Signs of stress in children are changes in sleep habits, irritability, separation anxiety, and loss of appetite (Clark, 2013). Children feel neglected and betrayed by their parents after a divorce (Clarke-Stewart & Brentano, 2006). Some do not realize what is happening, and others over hear parents talking and make their own assumptions. When a child goes through a divorce, they may come to the shocking realization that parents may not always be there for them (Buchanan, Dornbusch, & Maccoby, 2009). Some children look at the lawyers as the bad guys and blame them for their parents’

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