The effect of divorce on children can be profound, causing them emotional distress, a conflict of loyalties, regressive behaviors, academic and social issues, anger and rebellion. I in 4 children in the UK live in separated families, that 4m children or 30% of the total.

The long-term effects on children when they become adults is mixed. Some thrive. The outcome is down to how their parents handled the divorce, and if there was on going conflict between the two partners. Eg when the child is a pawn or a messenger or even a spy !Kids need consistency, love and stability. They must also be encouraged to maintain a strong relationship with both parents.Mimimising change is the key, like keeping the same schools, home and social network etc. Open communication should seek to re assure the children that the divorce was not their fault .Finally they most have access to all their family and their friends for support at any time. Generally, its thought that a good divorce is better than a bad marriage , but I have my doubts about that. Yes, if its in an environment of chronic hostility and abuse. Parental behaviors is the biggest factor, both during the divorce and afterwards. The children need to be the priority, full stop. The children need to be the number I priority, there I've said it again. A healthy relationship between the two ex partners can buffer their grown-up kids against further harm. Holidays and in particular Christmas can be very difficult for example when there are two or in some cases 4 families involved ( i.e. both kids are from divorced parents, and they have both remarried).It also means potentially 4 houses to visit and lots of step fathers, step grandads, step grannies and so on. It’s a minefield. Where you spend Christmas, with who and in what order of rotation is fraught with difficulties. Parents should spare the kids any conflict.eg unequal treatment, lost traditions, logistical stress, financial tension and so on.

The effect of divorce on children can be profound, causing them emotional distress, a conflict of loyalties, regressive behaviors, academic and social issues, anger and rebellion. I in 4 children in the UK live in separated families, that 4m children or 30% of the total.

The long-term effects on children when they become adults is mixed. Some thrive. The outcome is down to how their parents handled the divorce, and if there was on going conflict between the two partners. Eg when the child is a pawn or a messenger or even a spy !Kids need consistency, love and stability. They must also be encouraged to maintain a strong relationship with both parents.Mimimising change is the key, like keeping the same schools, home and social network etc. Open communication should seek to re assure the children that the divorce was not their fault .Finally they most have access to all their family and their friends for support at any time. Generally, its thought that a good divorce is better than a bad marriage , but I have my doubts about that. Yes, if its in an environment of chronic hostility and abuse. Parental behaviors is the biggest factor, both during the divorce and afterwards. The children need to be the priority, full stop. The children need to be the number I priority, there I've said it again. A healthy relationship between the two ex partners can buffer their grown-up kids against further harm. Holidays and in particular Christmas can be very difficult for example when there are two or in some cases 4 families involved ( i.e. both kids are from divorced parents, and they have both remarried).It also means potentially 4 houses to visit and lots of step fathers, step grandads, step grannies and so on. It’s a minefield. Where you spend Christmas, with who and in what order of rotation is fraught with difficulties. Parents should spare the kids any conflict.eg unequal treatment, lost traditi

Support the show