Divorce is something that we see more often in society today. From starting as an unheard of phenomenon within families, divorce has increased, and is encompassing more and more children each and every year. Is divorce something that we as educators can expect to affect our students? Yes, but in many different forms and with many different consequences for each individual child. According to research done by the Research and Statistics division (1997), "between the end of the 1960s and the mid 1980s, the divorce rate increased fivefold." The Research and Statistics division (1997) also stated, "It is estimated that one in two divorce cases involve dependant children, illustrating that each year a substantial number of children are affected by divorce." These statistics are telling us that in fact children are being subjected to divorce and the factors that come with it. Also, according to Abrams (2004), "what is clear is that there are numerous potentially significant consequences for children, both short and long term."
[...] Parenting styles may not be affected by the divorce if correlated with other factors such of external support or even having good relations with the ex-husband or wife after the divorce, which can lower the anxiety and effects on the parents. But, what has been witnessed is that divorce is not an easy event for anyone, especially the parents, and if the divorce has come as a surprise to one parents this kind of effect could be seen. One factor that most parents have difficulties with that can effect their children if not handed properly is communicating to their children about their upcoming divorce. [...]
[...] of the first impacts that divorce has on a child is a dramatic decline in the standard of living in the custodial household”, as the Research and Statistics division (1997) has stated. Instead of living in a 2000 sq. ft. house, for example, they may need to move to a small two-bedroom apartment in order to still provide for their child or children. This can have a great impact on children. Children may not understand why they went from getting everything they want to being on a budget. [...]
[...] The one good thing that Trueit (2007) stated though was “between 50-80 percent of divorces that go through mediation are settled successfully”, so it is that small percentage that we must be aware of that can be effected in the legal battle. After a divorce some parents will move on with their life and may potentially start dating or may even commit to another relationship with someone. This does not always happen for both parents and may never happen for either parents but it can have its effect on children. [...]
[...] These long term effects can also be looked at the same way, as Abrams (2004) who states “children, like adults, take many different routes out of divorce, some lead to unhappiness, others to a rewarding and fulfilling life.” Until we are able to see all the effects that a divorce may have on an individual we are not able to determine the lasting effects it may have, if any. After looking at the factors that effect children in divorce we are better able to understand how to deal with children in school when they are going through a crisis like this. [...]
[...] This means that we must let kids be kids and not be burdened with the harsh aspects of divorce. If there is anything we can do to let them be kids, we must do it! References Abrams, L. (2004). Divorce. Lucent books Department of Justice Canada: Research and Statistics Division. (1997, Oct.). The Effects of Divorce on Children. Edmonton, AB: Alberta Education. Retrieved May from ProQuest database Dunn, J. (2002). The Adjustment of Children in Stepfamilies: Lessons from Community Studies. Child and Adolescent Mental Health, Vol No.4, pp.154- [...]
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