Signs That Your Child Might Be Struggling With Your Divorce
Divorce is never easy, especially when children are involved. It’s natural for kids to feel confused, sad, or even angry when they find out that their family is changing, but some behaviors could indicate that they’re having a harder time coping than expected. We’ve listed a few red flags to keep an eye out for when going through divorce. If you recognize any of these behaviors in your own children, it may be time to obtain professional help.
Emotional Outbursts
It’s normal for children to act out when they learn that their parents are getting divorced. If, however, your child is experiencing excessive emotional outbursts on a regular basis, it could indicate that he or she is struggling to cope with the new changes. Tantrums that seem disproportionate to the situation, or crying more than usual can all be signs that your child could benefit from the help of a professional.
Changes in Sleeping and Eating Habits
Difficulty sleeping or a diminishment of appetite could signify that a child is suffering from depression or anxiety, which could be linked to divorce. Alternatively, sleeping too much or eating a lot more than normal could also be indicative of a problem with adapting to the idea of divorce. If these changes persist, they should be taken seriously and addressed immediately.
Difficulty Focusing at School
If you and your spouse are getting divorced, it’s important to keep an eye out for reports that your child is having a hard time paying attention in class, or for a sudden and unusual drop in grades. Some of these problems can be attributed to other things, like the need for eyeglasses or a learning disability, but academic struggles could also be indicative that a child is struggling with his or her parents divorce.
Problems Getting Along with Friends and Family
It is not uncommon for children to throw tantrums or be unable to control their emotions, even when they aren’t going through a big change, like a divorce. If, however, your child starts lashing out at friends and siblings often, he or she likely needs help expressing divorce-related feelings in a healthy way.
Refusing to Participate in Activities They Previously Enjoyed
Children whose parents are going through divorce and who are struggling to process their emotions, often refuse to participate in activities that they used to love. If your child doesn’t want to play sports anymore, refuses to engage in after school clubs, or otherwise shows a lack of interest in things that he or she previously loved, he may be struggling with your divorce more than you think.
Work with an Experienced Florida Divorce Lawyer
Divorce can be hard on the whole family, especially children, but with guidance and support, you can get through the process together. Dedicated Florida divorce lawyer Sandra Bonfiglio, P.A. can provide you with the compassionate legal guidance that your family needs at this challenging time. Call 954-945-7591, or complete one of our online contact forms to set up a free consultation today.
Sources:
parents.com/parenting/divorce/coping/age-by-age-guide-to-what-children-understand-about-divorce/
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2817796/