Children of Divorce

One of the strongest determinants of how well a child adjusts to divorce is whether the former spouses support each other in their continuing relationship as parents. Although this cooperation is essential for the child’s secure adjustment, it is often difficult for parents to achieve. When two people divorce there is usually a great deal of hurt, anger, and distrust between them. Both must cope with difficult feelings of betrayal, rejection, and failure. As …

…in low-conflict marriages, and the psychological damage to children from these divorces is substantial. When the parents show better emotional adjustment after the divorce, so do the children. Parents are better able to maintain consistent structure in the children's lives, respond to their resentment and confusion promptly and clearly. When parents are able to argue over some child-rearing issue, reach an agreement, and stick to the compromise, children show much less anxiety, insecurity, and distress.