Children of Separated Parents

In any break-up, it can be tempting to foster feelings of hostility or hold grudges. In serious relationships involving children, the stakes are even higher. Many parents do not realize just how heavily divorce or separation can impact children, no matter how mutual or cordial it may have been. During therapy, I help children of separated parents understand and come to terms with the situation while also working through their resulting emotions.

Some of the ways that separation can impact children include:

• Assuming fault or blame, feeling guilty
• Worrying their parents may stop loving them because they stopped loving one another
• Becoming resentful of one or both parents
• Fear of connection or commitment
• Inability to create healthy relationships of their own
• Disorganized attachment

Studies show that children of divorced parents suffer from higher rates of anxiety and depression. Moreover, divorce also increases the risk of mental health problems in children and adolescents. Enrolling your child in therapy before potential trauma accumulates is essential for their adjustment and well-being.