The Effects of Divorce on Children In America, approximately half of all marriages end in divorce. The majority of couples who file for divorce are also parents of children and adolescents. Typically, these families are broken into different homes and the parents sign a custodial agreement. More often than not, the mother receives either full custody or is deemed the primary household, giving the father visitation opportunities. Many divorces lead to the absence of one parent, usually being the father figure. However, there is a wide variety of unique circumstances for divorced families. Divorce effects not only the couple, but the children of the family as well. Studies show that divorce significantly impacts the lives of children compared
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Teyber states, “research studies have repeatedly shown that children who basically lose their fathers through divorce do not perform as well in many academic or social dimensions as children who have an emotionally available father” (117). He explains that children of divorce are more likely to be absent from school more often, receive low scores on tests, and earn lower grades than their classmates (Teyber 117). When children are faced with the reality of their parents breaking up forever, their every-day routines are abruptly altered. There are many cases of children of divorce not being able to cope with their education due to their stress levels. Joseph Adelson, author for Commentary Magazine, has done extensive research on divorce culture and has first hand experience with the family dynamic. He writes that children in these predicaments are more likely to perform poorly in basic subject courses and drop out of high school …show more content…
Adelson states, “children (of divorce) are two to three times more likely to have emotional or behavior problems. They rate higher on dependency, anxiety, and aggressiveness, and lower on self-control” (Adelson). The most common age group effected by divorce would have to be the preteens. At this moment in their lives, they are just beginning to establish their sense of self. When a traumatic life event interrupts their self-exploration, their behavior and personality will be involuntarily tainted. According to Teyber, common behaviors for boys include trouble making sustainable friendships, aggression, impulsivity, and rebellion against authority (118). Furthermore, studies show that daughters with an absent father have a likely chance of engaging in unhealthy relationships and becoming prematurely promiscuous (118). He also mentions that adolescents may find themselves adjusting to their parent’s divorce better than children of a younger age. “Because they are becoming more independent and removed from family relations, they do not need as much affection and guidance as younger children” (Teyber 13). It is very common for teens to cope with divorce by distancing themselves from family, and focusing on their ambitions for the future (13). Several studies show evidence that a child is more likely to develop normally when raised in a single-mother household rather than a
Teyber states, “research studies have repeatedly shown that children who basically lose their fathers through divorce do not perform as well in many academic or social dimensions as children who have an emotionally available father” (117). He explains that children of divorce are more likely to be absent from school more often, receive low scores on tests, and earn lower grades than their classmates (Teyber 117). When children are faced with the reality of their parents breaking up forever, their every-day routines are abruptly altered. There are many cases of children of divorce not being able to cope with their education due to their stress levels. Joseph Adelson, author for Commentary Magazine, has done extensive research on divorce culture and has first hand experience with the family dynamic. He writes that children in these predicaments are more likely to perform poorly in basic subject courses and drop out of high school …show more content…
Adelson states, “children (of divorce) are two to three times more likely to have emotional or behavior problems. They rate higher on dependency, anxiety, and aggressiveness, and lower on self-control” (Adelson). The most common age group effected by divorce would have to be the preteens. At this moment in their lives, they are just beginning to establish their sense of self. When a traumatic life event interrupts their self-exploration, their behavior and personality will be involuntarily tainted. According to Teyber, common behaviors for boys include trouble making sustainable friendships, aggression, impulsivity, and rebellion against authority (118). Furthermore, studies show that daughters with an absent father have a likely chance of engaging in unhealthy relationships and becoming prematurely promiscuous (118). He also mentions that adolescents may find themselves adjusting to their parent’s divorce better than children of a younger age. “Because they are becoming more independent and removed from family relations, they do not need as much affection and guidance as younger children” (Teyber 13). It is very common for teens to cope with divorce by distancing themselves from family, and focusing on their ambitions for the future (13). Several studies show evidence that a child is more likely to develop normally when raised in a single-mother household rather than a