Supporting Children of Divorce

Child care professionals and family members often ask these questions when caring for children of divorce. "How can I help them?" "Is this normal behavior?" "What signs of distress should I look for?" "How can I manage their behavior?" Children of divorce usually exhibit behaviors that are similar to other children in their age group. However, there are times when they have mood swings with more frequency and intensity than children who are not experiencing divorce. Reactions depend on age, ego, temperament, and resources.

Divorce is a grief experience surpassed only by the death of a parent. Divorce is like having a life threatening disease for which there is no cure. Children feel as if their life has changed forever. They are waiting for the next thing to happen, wondering whether it will be good or bad.