If parents consider a divorce, their children are often the focal point of their worries. How will their children react? Will the divorce affect them negatively?
These worries might compound when they see various reports and research about the effects of divorce on children.
Recent study raising concern for divorcing parents
One study making the rounds in news outlets states that children of divorce could potentially face increased risks to their physical health, with a higher chance of a stroke later in life. As this study notes, the potential risk likely stems from the long-term stress – a risk factor of a stroke – that a divorce can cause not just in children but the entire family.
However, reading about such risks can leave divorcing parents with nothing but fear and anxiety. After all, parents want to protect their children above all.
So, what should you take from these studies?
While such surveys and studies can be insightful, parents do not have to take their word as law. You can certainly consider their findings, and even use them to inform how you move forward. That is the key: the parent’s approach.
Consider the study mentioned above. It is important to remember that it is not necessarily the divorce itself that causes long-term stress, but how parents approach and handle the divorce. For example, as we addressed in a past blog post, it is often parental conflict that has a greater impact on children.
Therefore, it will help if parents:
- Focus on minimizing conflict in front of the kids as much as they can
- Concentrate on meeting their child’s needs and best interests during and after the divorce
- Remain empathetic to what their children are going through
Hearing about these negative effects on children can be much more stressful than helpful, especially when you are already facing the stressful process of a divorce. You can take pointers from these studies, but make sure to do what is best for you and your family.