Many couples’ number one concern with divorce is the potential serious long-term effects on children when parents split.
An article in “Love Counsellor”, a relationship advice website, reports that fatherless homes account for 90% of homeless and runaway children, 85% of children with behavior problems, 85% of youths in prison, 71% of high school dropouts, 63% of youth suicides and well over 50% of teen mothers.
Behavioral problems are common among children in single-parent homes. This can be due to children feeling trapped by parental demands, robbed of their separate identity or the need to express anger regarding their situation.
But, Love Counsellor reports that there are ways to curb those long-term effects and raise exceptional children in a single-parent household.
- Talk to your children on a regular basis.
- Ensure them that the divorce is not their fault.
- Let them know that both parents still love them.
- Encourage them to express their feelings.
- Maintain their sense of security and continuity as much as possible.
- Keep them on a normal routine.
- Don’t spoil your children in an attempt to make them like you more than your ex.
- Try to keep open communication with your ex to ensure that you’re on the same page raising the child.
The statistics can be scary, but they can also be empowering. If you’ve gone through a divorce, be aware of the statistics and take the necessary steps to ensure that your children will not suffer any long-term effects from your breakup.
