Children and Divorce Facts

Brief Statistics regarding Children and Divorce Facts

• In 1970, the percentage of children residing with only 1 parent was 12. In 1996, this percentage rose to 28
• Every year, if only new divorces are considered, more than 1 million children are involved in these
• If the communication between parent and children is studied, then the following results are obtained
  • 5 percent children state that they were completely informed regarding the divorce and inspired to ask any questions or queries
  • 45 percent children said that they were given abrupt 1 or 2 line explanations
  • 23 percent children revealed that nobody talked with them regarding the divorce
• It has been observed that children of divorce display the following
  • Difficulty in getting along with peers
  • Negative self concepts
  • Behavior problems
• After a survey conducted in 1993, the following results were reached
  • In intact families, 90 percent adolescents were normal and 10 percent had grave problems
  • In divorced families, 74 percent males and 66 percent females were normal. 26 percent males and 34 percent females were problematic
• If the children from intact families were compared with the children from divorced families, then the latter are
  • 1.25 to 1.5 times more likely to get divorced themselves
  • 2 times more likely to drop out of high school after graduation
  • 1.25 to 1.5 times more likely to develop problems of depression
  • 2 times more likely to have problems regarding managing their demeanor
  • 2 times more likely to visit a mental health professional

• The age of the children when the divorce took place
• The smartness of the children
• Whether the children are emotionally mature?
• The relation of the children with both the parents
• How good or bad the divorce was?
• How did the people associated with the children react to the divorce?
• Did the children have any problems prior to the divorce?
• Are there any persons outside the family who are ready to help the children?

• Sometimes a child does not display any reactions or feelings regarding the divorce. Someone should help this child to express whatever is going on in his / her mind. If such an expression does not take place, it is likely that this child might suffer from depression at a latter stage

• A pre-school child might become worried, irritable or confused. Moreover, some regressive demeanor might be exhibited by this child. As an illustration, the child might begin wetting self again

• Children aged 6 to 9 cannot digest the concept of divorce. However, they feel that something unpleasant is taking place. During this age group, they are dependant on the parents and find it very tough to talk regarding their emotions. Usually, they exhibit anger or have learning difficulties or cannot concentrate or fail to progress in school

• Children belonging to the age group 9 to 13 may develop depression, grief and anger. They begin to have vital relations with people other than their parents. They talk with these people regarding their feelings and problems

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