EFFECTS OF DIVORCE ON CHILDREN

Composed by YOMI OKIKIOLA 

Divorce seem to be no new trend in the society nowadays as people see it as a normal way and style of life. Most celebrities don't even call their relationship with their partners marriage but see them as "baby mama' or "girlfriend" with a child or children involved. This has caused a drastic effect on the mentality of youths lately as they now see marriages as an institution that can be easily dissolved. Filing for divorce now rocks simply because the white man's mentality is a 50:50 share of assets and possessions. I'm afraid to tell you nothing like that in this part of the world called Nigeria. 

The effect of divorce on children had caused so many psychological trauma and emotional epilepsy. Most times, both parents care not about the feelings or its effect on their offSprings while some parents in seperation and divorce are very concerned about the effects of divorce on children. They wonder whether their decision will affect the happiness and health of their child. Reliable information about the effects on children is still being gathered and analyzed by sociologists and psychologists.

To a child, the divorce of their parents can be likened to a tsunami that strikes their lives and leaves destruction and havoc in its wake. Nothing is ever the same again. The divorce will affect the child for many years to come.

Divorce impacts future generations within the family

• In some families divorce is cyclical.
• Children lose access to grandparents and extended family.
• Family traditions are lost.
• Generational family stories are not passed on to children.

Divorce affects personal relationships

• Relationships with each parent is affected because the parents are no longer one unit caring for and concerned about the child.
• Girls in single parent homes are more likely to get pregnant as teens.
• Kids may struggle with normal peer relationships.
• Divorce can negatively impact relationships with extended family members. 

Divorce affects their health  

• Many will be ill simply because of the chaotic lives they are forced to lead.
• Some become ill because high levels of stress compromise their immune system.
• Many children turn to substance abuse and yes even elementary age children turn to drugs or alcohol to cope.
• Many more teens of divorce succeed in suicidal attempts than the general population. Suicide and suicidal attempts are occurring in younger and younger children.
• The landscape of a child’s life that is left after divorce is forever changed. 

Love is a beautiful thing. This is one major reason one should be mentality fit and matured enough for marriage. Issues should be solved amicably and communication is the key. 

All the best in your marriages and relationships.