Divorce is not uncommon in the US. It is difficult and stressful for the parents, and it may also be hard on the children. Divorce may result in long-term health, academic, emotional and behavioral problems for children. However, in some cases, the parents separation decreases stress and children may experience relief from reduced tensions. What can parents do to mitigate some of the potential harmful consequences for children during and after divorce? What is the best way for parents to talk to their children about divorce? How long does it usually take for children to rebound from the initial pain of separating parents? What is the best approach when responding to children’s difficult questions? We discuss these issues and more in this episode.
This episode written by Dr. Dean Blumberg and Dr. Lena Rothstein.
We thank Licensed Clinical Social Worker Angelus Dupree at UC Davis Children's Hospital for reviewing this topic, although Drs. Dean and Lena take responsibility for any errors or misinformation.
Supplemental material:

* American Academy of Pediatrics Helping Children and Families Deal With Divorce and Separation

* Healthy Children How to Support Children after Their Parents Separate or Divorce

* Healthy Children Traps Divorced or Separating Parents Should Avoid

* Healthy Children Adjusting to Divorce

* Healthy Children How to Talk to Your Children about Divorce

* Children of Divorce Intervention Programs (CODIP)

* Zero To Three Divorce With an Under-3 in the House: What You Need to Know

* Zero to Three Talking to Very Young Children About Divorce

Photo from Church4EveryChild