Effect of Divorce on Children
Various studies have established that after separation of parents, the correlation between children and such parents deteriorates. In Afifi's article exploring the effect of divorce on children, the author contends that divorce tends to make children have weaker relationships with their parents in their future lives (Afifi 27).
Her findings indicate that the connection between children and parents fades when such children are left with a single parent. While children may tend to maintain a close association with one parent, they lose the attachment to the other. Such an impact may be attributed to the fact that after divorce, children get confused on how to maintain a close association with both parents, mainly because they are unable to meet the expectations of both parents (Afifi 29).
For instance, their attempt to make one parent happy may make the other angry, thereby leading to disconnection with the parents. The strained correlation between children and their parents translates into boredom among the kids, both at home and in school. As such, these kids often lead miserable lives, with some contemplating joining criminal gangs and abusing drugs. Overall, kids will be more contented and will lead better lives when they stay together with both of their parents.
Economic Challenges and Poverty
Parental divorce has also been linked to less economic support among children. According to Susan Whitelaw Downs, single-parent children are more susceptible to poverty compared to those living with both parents (Dougherty 4). The resultant financial crises compel such kids to drop out of schools.
The financial pressures are further enhanced by the increasing cost of living, such as household rent. In view of Conor Dougherty, kids staying with single mothers usually live in poverty, fueled by their parents' divorce. The financial problems are caused by the fact that children in divorced families have to depend on the financial support from a single parent other than both parents, significantly reducing the family's financial base (Dougherty 5).
The increased poverty levels can potentially make kids in such families depressed due to the comparatively poor living conditions.
Importance of Understanding the Effect of Divorce
There is a need for parents to understand the effect of divorce on their children. While many couples resort to divorce due to their personal differences, bringing the children into the picture may possibly make them consider other alternatives other than divorce (Battista 23).
The reason is that staying together as a family brings about more financial and emotional benefits to the children who enjoy a comfortable living environment. On the contrary, divorce brings about numerous economic and psychological problems that significantly affect children.
Carolyn Batistta hence rightly argues that when parents understand the effect of divorce on their children and understand the implications of such behavior, they are likely to reconsider their decision and stay together for the sake of their children (30).
Overall, children will be more comfortable and will lead better lives when they stay together with both of their parents.
Works Cited
Afifi, Tamara. “The Impact of Divorce on Children: Tamara D. Afifi at TED,” n. d.
Battista, Carolyn. “Parents Study Divorce's Impact on Children.” September 12, 2013.
Dougherty, Conor. “Children of Divorce More Likely to Be Poor.” August 25, 2011.
Furstenberg, Frank. “History and Current Status of Divorce in the United States.” History and Current Status of Divorce in the United States, 1994, 30–33,
