A 2013 survey highlights how divorce impacts children. The study by U.K. parenting site netmums.com, surveyed 1,000 parents and 100 children separately about divorce. Of those surveyed, thirty-nine percent of children said they hide their feelings about the divorce from their parents. Twenty percent said that they can’t communicate their feelings about the divorce with their parents because the parents were too “wrapped up in themselves.” While fourteen percent said that they felt as though they couldn’t be honest with their parents about how upset they felt.

In addition to feeling that they couldn’t express their feelings to their parents, nearly one-third of children under 18 described themselves as devastated over the divorce while 13 percent even blamed themselves for the breakup of the marriage.

A majority of parents surveyed, 77 percent, felt their children were coping fine with the break-up, and ten percent said their kids were relieved that the divorce occurred. Of the parents surveyed, only 5 percent said that they were aware that their kids blamed themselves for the divorce.

According to the survey, parents were also equally unaware of how their children were coping with the divorce. The survey concluded that five percent of kids drank alcohol to cope, while 11 percent self-harmed and six people contemplated suicide as a result of the spilt. Only 1 percent of those parents surveyed reported knowing about this type of behavior.

This survey highlights the disconnect between parents and children when a family is being split up. In order to ensure better communication and a better relationship with your children while going through a divorce, here are a few suggestions:

  • Don’t bad mouth your spouse.
  • Don’t confide in your children about your disagreements with your spouse
  • Try to maintain your usual family routines while going through a divorce.
  • Continue to be a supportive, loving parent. Reinforce to your children that you love them no matter what occurs and continue to be a consistent parent to them.
  • If your child is having a particularly difficult time coping with the divorce, get help. A therapist can provide a safe place for your child to discuss their feelings.
  • Encourage your children to maintain a relationship with your former spouse and keep the other parent informed about activities occurring in the child’s life.

Divorce is a very trying time on families, couples and children. Make sure that, as a parent you maintain an open line of communication with your kids to ensure that their mental health through the process is stable and to ensure that your children make this difficult transition as smoothly as possible.

If you are contemplating a divorce, our attorneys can assist you through this process. Contact us today for any questions you may have.

Attorney Timothy Manchin established the Manchin Injury Law Group in 2011 after his law partner of more than 25 years became a West Virginia circuit court judge. His focus is on helping individual clients and entire families victimized by negligent acts.

  • Taylor Downs was easy to talk to (I do not speak the legal language well!) and was very upfront and honest about the entire process of my case. He kept me updated as the case progressed, and answered my relentless questions. The end result was a favorable settlement that I’m not sure could have been any better with anyone else. In short, go see Taylor if you have a case. Don’t be intimidated to go seek his help, he won’t blow your brains out with “legal speak”.

    - PAUL MOUSER

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  • If I ever have to go through it again I would definetly call Taylor right away. The group was so helpful through my situation and handled everything that needed to be done. They made a stressful situation a stress free situation. With Taylor you dont have to worry about one thing. Definietly would recomend to anyone.

    - TAYLOR G.

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  • Taylor and Tim helped make a difficult moment in life, a little more bearable. Easy to communicate with and informative. I will absolutely recommend them to everyone.

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  • Manchin Injury Law Group, Took care of me when I got into a car accident while I was pregnant. Very scary moment for a first time mom but thankfully Manchin Injury Law Group had my back and treated me great. They made me feel as if I was part of their family. My son is now 7 Months Old and very happy and healthy. I’m very thankful for them for helping me through everything and getting me what we deserved. I 100% would recommend them to anyone. If I ever have an accident again they will be my number 1 phone call!

    - SHAWNNA SHAFFER.

  • The support given helped me to feel like I was included in my personal injury case every step of the way. I was informed about the entire process throughout. It was amazing how quick the turn around time was and I would definitely recommend Attorney Timothy J. Manchin to anyone!

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    - TERRI L. ARMENTROUT

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  • Taylor and Tim helped make a difficult moment in life, a little more bearable. Easy to communicate with and informative. I will absolutely recommend them to everyone.

    - CHAD BILOTTA

  • Kelly and Taylor did all the hard work so that I didn’t have to. They both cared about my circumstance and got me a nice settlement. Taylor knows what he is doing and I felt comfortable with my case in his hands.

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  • Had a easy and smooth experience with a great attorney so when you go there make sure you ask for Taylor.

    - TIM CROSS

  • My experience at the Manchin Injury Law Group was extremely positive, and I would recommend them to anyone who needs a compassionate and experienced lawyer on their side.

    - TAMMY LACARIA

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