The Chicago Sun Times reported about a new study co-sponsored by the University of Chicago and Georgetown University which discovered a correlation between divorce and behavioral issues for smaller children. The resulting research has shown strong negative effects on the children’s behavior out of the nearly 3,500 children that were analyzed. It seems that around 3 to 5 years of age, children do not possess the ability to deal with the stress of a divorce.
“Family-structure changes during early childhood at the preschool period seem to matter more than later changes,” said the study’s co-author Rebecca Ryan of Georgetown, an assistant professor of psychology. “They increase behavior problems particularly if you move from a two-biological-parent family into a single-parent family or experience some other type of change. Change experienced in middle childhood and pre-adolescence had no effect on kids’ outcomes.”
Divorce may be the only option for your situation and many children have successfully thrived after divorces. Having a co-parenting agreement will alleviate the stress of post-divorce life. It is also important to realize that children shouldn’t feel bad about their parents’ situation. Parents can encourage their child to share questions and concerns about the separation or divorce.
Parents can also set aside time daily to reassure their child that both parents understand their feelings and love him or her. If divorce is unavoidable, please make sure you have the correct legal representation in Wheaton to secure you and your family’s future.
