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:
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.
We offer a free initial consultation at our office in the Manchin Professional Building — our home since 1983 — conveniently located in Fairmont.
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