What Are the Effects of Divorce on Children?

Sims Purzer
May 13
3 min read

Effects of Divorce on Children | Breakup-Better, San Antonio, Texas

And how you can help them through it.

The Effects of Divorce on Children can be profound and far-reaching. Divorce changes everything—not just for the couple involved, but for their children too. While ending a marriage is sometimes the healthiest choice for a family, it’s completely normal to worry about how it might affect your kids.

At Breakup-Better, we believe that while divorce can be difficult, it doesn’t have to define a child’s future. With the right approach, kids can adjust, thrive, and grow stronger even during big changes. Here’s a closer look at how divorce impacts children—and what parents can do to support them every step of the way.

Emotional Effects of Divorce on Children

Divorce brings big emotions for kids, no matter their age. It's normal for them to feel:

😢 Sadness about the changes in the family

😠 Anger at one or both parents

😟 Anxiety about what the future looks like

🤔 Confusion over custody arrangements or living situations

🙁 Guilt, mistakenly believing they caused the split

Young children might not understand what’s happening and may fear losing a parent. Teens might act out, withdraw, or feel forced to "pick sides." Every child processes differently—and every emotion is valid.

What matters most isn’t eliminating their emotions, but helping them work through them in a safe, supportive way.

Academic and Behavioral Changes

Divorce can also show up in other areas of a child’s life:

School performance might temporarily drop—they’re distracted by what’s happening at home.
Behavioral issues may surface, such as acting out in class or withdrawing socially.
Regressions in younger children (like bedwetting or clinginess) are common.
Increased silence or irritability might show up in teens as they process difficult feelings.

These shifts are often temporary—especially when kids receive reassurance, routine, and support at home.

Long-Term Effects (And How to Minimize Them)

Children of divorced parents can and do thrive long-term—but the way the divorce is handled plays a big role.

Kids tend to do best when:

Both parents remain actively involved in their lives
Conflict between parents is kept low or out of view
Consistency and stability are prioritized across both households
Kids are given space to express emotions without judgment
Parents reassure children that the divorce is not their fault

The good news: Research shows that with supportive parenting, children of divorce grow up just as emotionally healthy and successful as kids from two-parent homes.

How to Support Your Children Through Divorce

If you’re in the middle of a divorce—or planning one—here are simple ways to help your kids cope:

Communicate Honestly Be age-appropriate but truthful. Let them know what’s happening, what’s staying the same, and what changes to expect.
Prioritize Stability Stick to routines whenever possible. Kids feel safer when life feels predictable—even when it’s changing.
Respect Your Co-Parent Even if you’re hurting, avoid criticizing your ex around your children. They need permission to love both parents freely.
Listen More Than You Talk Give them room to share how they feel, even if it’s hard to hear. Just being heard can make a world of difference.
Focus on the Future Remind them—and yourself—that this is one chapter, not their whole story.

How Breakup-Better Can Help Families

At Breakup-Better, we’re dedicated to low-conflict, family-focused solutions that help protect what matters most: your children’s well-being.

We offer: