The Effect of Divorce on Parent and Child

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Divorce is a plague that is destroying numerous families across the United States of America. Sadly, when husbands and wives divorce, the children are often caught directly in the middle. Throughout the years divorce has been becoming more and more common. In the 1920's it was a rare find to know a person whom had been divorced, today it is a rarity not to know of one who has been, or will be divorced. Divorce has numerous effects on the structures of families, and many devastating effects on the children that must experience it, although sometimes necessary, divorce radically changes the lives of adolescents and adults alike. Explaining Divorce "Parents frequently tell me they believe that to explain too much about the end of their marriage to their children it will unduly upset or confuse the children," (Berger 28). After divorcing, parents must learn to answer every question a child may ask honestly and without hesitation. If not, the child will undoubtedly loose faith and trust in their parents. Creating lies will often damage a child who is already going through so many emotions. Often, it may be vary difficult to explain to a young child that his or her mother and father will not be together anymore. Fear and anxiety may fill a parent when pondering the fact that their children may have several negative emotions when discovering their parents do not love each other after several years of marriage. Many emotions may possibly arise if parents are not up front with their children. These emotions may include anxiety, depression, and even antisocial behavior. Although it will be extremely hard for parents to answer all of their child's questions honestly, in the long run honesty will always be the best policy. ... ... middle of paper ... ...me for him or her to adjust to the new family structure. Professional Help Whether it is a divorce or remarriage, many times a child will not be able to adjust easily to their new family structure. When this occurs, professional help may be needed to allow the parent or child to resume their lives in a normal manner. If a child suddenly begins to struggle in school, lose friends, or begins to become self-destructive, a parent should immediately seek psychological help for their child (Berger 187). This may be found in the form of a counselor, psychologist, or even the family doctor. Counseling or medication will often radically improve a child's disposition. Once again, it will not be easy for a parent to confront a child on his or her problems, but the sooner a parent realizes there is a problem and takes action upon it, the sooner the child will recover.

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