Common Signs Your Child Could Benefit From Therapy During Your Divorce

 Posted on November 25, 2020 in Divorce

Divorce is no doubt one of the most stressful things a person can experience in their lifetime. Even for adults, coping with the stress of a divorce can be difficult, but for a child, it can be nightmarish. Children are not nearly as developed as adults are in any sense, whether that be emotionally, physically, or mentally. As such, children tend to have a much more difficult time coping and dealing with the impact of the divorce than their parents, especially if the divorce is particularly contentious. For many parents, the well-being of their children is the most important thing and at the top of their list of concerns, and if they are struggling to cope with your divorce, it may be beneficial for them to talk to a family therapist.

Signs That Your Children Are Struggling to Cope

Here are a few signs that may indicate that your children need help:

• Frequent Outbursts or Displays of Aggression: Children are still learning important skills, like emotional control and regulation. Some children may express their strong emotions by lashing out in anger, throwing tantrums, being disobedient, or otherwise acting completely out of character.

• Regressing in Developmental Behaviors: A common sign that your child is struggling to cope is any form of regressive behavior, especially among younger children. Examples could include taking a step back in toilet-training, sucking his or her thumb to self-soothe, or crying and throwing tantrums more frequently. If these behaviors last for more than a couple of weeks, you should consider taking your child to see a behavioral specialist who has experience dealing with divorce.

• Sudden or Increased Separation Anxiety: Separation anxiety typically occurs in toddlers and small children when they are apart from familiar surroundings or faces. For many children, separation anxiety is common following a divorce. After all, children are likely feeling a sense of loss from the divorce, just as you are, especially if parenting time is being split between both parents.

Contact a Wheaton, IL Divorce Attorney

Getting a divorce when you have children is difficult for many reasons. Not only do you have to deal with the typical divorce issues such as property division and debt allocation, but you also have other lives you have to think about. You must also make determinations for what is best for your children when it comes to parenting time and parental decision-making responsibilities. At the Goostree Law Group, we have been helping clients with all aspects of their divorces for nearly 20 years. Our skilled team of DuPage County divorce lawyers will guide you through your divorce so you can focus on your children. To schedule a free consultation, call our office today at 630-364-4046.

Sources:

https://www.helpguide.org/articles/parenting-family/children-and-divorce.htm

https://www.aamft.org/Consumer_Updates/Children_and_Divorce.aspx

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/divorced-children_b_3187252