13 Psychological Effects of Divorce on Children

“Mom and Dad aren’t together anymore…”—those words can feel like a storm to a child, leaving behind scattered emotions that don’t always make sense. 

One moment there are tears, then silence, then bursts of anger; homework goes unfinished, sleep feels restless, and the world that once felt safe suddenly seems shaky. 

While some kids bounce back with resilience, others carry invisible scars that linger long after the shouting has stopped. The psychological effects of divorce on children can surface in unexpected ways, shaping how they see themselves, their families, and even the meaning of love itself.

What are the psychological effects of divorce on children?

Divorce can disrupt a child’s sense of stability, leading to emotional turmoil, anxiety, sadness, behavioral changes, and sometimes long-term challenges with trust, self-esteem, and relationships. 

The psychological effects of divorce on children often depend on their age, resilience, and the level of conflict between parents.

Please note:

Divorce does not doom children to unhappiness. With consistent love, reassurance, and supportive environments, many children not only adapt but also develop resilience and empathy that guide them into healthy, fulfilling relationships later in life.

13 psychological effects of divorce on children

Divorce reshapes a child’s world in ways that go beyond daily routines. The psychological effects of divorce on children often appear as emotional struggles, shifting behaviors, or lingering insecurities that quietly influence their growth and relationships.

• Short-term effects of divorce on children

In the early stages after separation, children often react strongly to sudden changes at home. These short-term effects of divorce on children may show up as mood swings, anxiety, sleep troubles, or confusion while they adjust to a new sense of family life.

1. Emotional turmoil

Divorce often triggers a whirlwind of emotions, including confusion, sadness, and anger. Children may struggle with the sudden disruption to their family life, leading to feelings of insecurity and instability. They may also experience guilt, blaming themselves for their parents’ separation.

• Example: A child may cry frequently or blame themselves by saying, “It’s my fault Mom and Dad aren’t together.”

2. Shock and disbelief

After a divorce, children may experience shock and find it difficult to accept the reality of their parents’ separation, causing immense emotional distress. This shock may extend to other areas of their life, affecting their academic performance and social interactions as they grapple with this new reality.

• Example: A child may suddenly stop participating in school activities or struggle to focus in class.

3. Behavioral changes

Short-term reactions often manifest as behavioral changes. Children may act out, display regressive behavior, or engage in defiance to cope with emotional turmoil. These behaviors can vary from temper tantrums to academic underachievement as they struggle to adapt to the changes.

• Example: A previously well-behaved child may start throwing tantrums or refusing to do homework.

4. Withdrawal

Some children may retreat into themselves, becoming more introverted and distant, to process the stress and the psychological effects of divorce on children. This withdrawal can lead to difficulties in forming new relationships. 

It may hinder their emotional development, making it crucial for parents to provide a support system during this challenging time.

• Example: A child may avoid friends or spend long hours alone in their room.

5. Anger and resentment

Children might perceive the divorce as a betrayal and express their anger as a response to this perceived betrayal. This anger and resentment can impact their relationships with both parents, as well as their overall emotional well-being, requiring counseling and guidance to help them navigate these complex emotions.

• Example: A child may lash out at one parent, saying, “You ruined our family.”

6. Sleep disturbances

Sleep patterns may be disrupted due to emotional stress, causing difficulty falling asleep, nightmares, and night waking in children. Sleep disturbances can affect their cognitive functioning, making it essential for parents to establish bedtime routines and provide a sense of security.

• Example: A child may wake up multiple times at night due to nightmares about losing their parents.

• Long-term effects of a parent’s divorce on children

Divorce can have a significant impact on children, and some of these effects can be long-lasting. It’s important to note that the extent and nature of these effects can vary from child to child, and not all children will experience them.

Here are some long-term effects of a parent’s divorce on children:

7. Relationship challenges

Kids of divorced parents may struggle with trust and relationships in the long term due to the breakup of their parents’ marriage. These challenges can extend to their romantic relationships, as they may have difficulty forming deep emotional connections and maintaining trust, leading to potential difficulties in their future marriages.

• Example: An adult child may avoid commitment, fearing their own marriage will end in divorce.

8. Increased risk of developing mental health issues

Children of divorced parents are more prone to develop challenges with their mental health, including depression and anxiety in adulthood, due to the emotional impact of their parents’ separation.

Some children may even grow up with suicidal tendencies and suffer from constant panic attacks, highlighting the importance of providing psychological support and counseling.

• Example: A young adult may struggle with recurring panic attacks when facing relationship conflicts.

9. Lower self-esteem

Divorce can shatter a child’s self-esteem. This is sadly one of the most common effects of divorce on children’s behavior over time. Children may struggle with feelings of inadequacy and a lack of self-worth, hindering their growth and decision-making.

• Example: A teen may say, “If my parents couldn’t stay together, maybe I’m not good enough.”

10. Impact on academic and career success

Divorce can harm a child’s academics, which can affect their career.

The emotional turmoil caused by divorce can lead to lower academic performance and a reduced focus on educational and career goals, potentially limiting their long-term success.

• Example: A student may consistently underperform in school, affecting college opportunities.

11. Emotional baggage

Divorced parents can cause children emotional baggage that affects their adulthood decision-making, growth, and well-being. This emotional baggage may manifest as unresolved issues from their parents’ divorce, impacting their ability to form healthy relationships and make sound life decisions.

• Example: An adult may avoid discussing emotions because it reminds them of parental fights.

12. Impact on parent-child relationships

Long-term effects of divorce may negatively impact the parent-child relationship. Due to the divorce, these children may struggle with emotions they cannot express. Open communication and therapy can help repair and strengthen these relationships, as children may carry unresolved feelings from the divorce into their adult lives.

• Example: An adult child may remain distant from one parent, believing they were “abandoned.”

 13. Difficulty adapting to new family dynamics

When divorce leads to remarriage or blended families, children may struggle to adjust to new step-parents or step-siblings. These changes can create feelings of jealousy, competition, or displacement, making it harder for children to feel secure and valued in the new family structure.

• Example: A child may feel replaced when a step-parent shows attention to their biological parent or when a new sibling enters the household, leading them to withdraw or act out.

7 ways to help children cope with divorce

Now that you know the many emotional and physical effects of divorce on a child, the next question is, how can we help? Here are some strategies that can be instrumental in easing their emotional burden:

1. Open communication

Understand that there are psychological, physical, and emotional effects of divorce on a child. Encourage these children to express their feelings and concerns. A safe space for dialogue can alleviate their sense of isolation and provide an outlet to process their emotions.

How to start:

• Set aside regular one-on-one time to ask open-ended questions like, “How are you feeling about the changes?”
• Use age-appropriate language so the child can understand what’s happening without confusion.
• Reassure them that their feelings are valid and that it’s okay to cry, be angry, or ask questions.

2. Therapeutic support

A therapist or counselor can help children process their emotions and guide them through the complex feelings that divorce can trigger. Professional help can offer children the tools to cope with their emotions and provide a safe and confidential environment to express themselves.

How to start:

• Find a child-focused therapist who specializes in family or divorce counseling.
• Encourage your child to attend sessions without pressure; explain that therapy is a safe space for them.
• Stay involved by checking in with the therapist (if appropriate) to reinforce progress at home.

3. Maintaining routines

Consistent routines offer stability for kids during divorce. Maintaining familiar schedules and activities can provide a sense of normalcy and security, helping children adapt to the changes more smoothly. Make them feel comfortable so they can better handle your divorce.

How to start:

• Keep daily routines (bedtime, meals, school activities) as consistent as possible in both households.
• Create a visual calendar so the child knows which parent they’ll be with on certain days.
• Incorporate comforting traditions, like movie nights or bedtime stories, to reinforce stability.

4. Co-parenting

Part of the psychological effects of divorce on children is that they no longer have a family to call their own. Effective co-parenting, characterized by cooperation and communication between divorced parents, can promote a sense of stability. 

How to start:

• Agree on consistent rules, expectations, and discipline methods across both households.
• Use respectful communication (in person, or via co-parenting apps if conflict is high).
• Keep the focus on the child’s needs, not the issues between parents.

5. Reassurance of love

Tell children that both parents still love and support them after divorce, and it’s not their fault. Consistent reminders of parental love can help ease feelings of abandonment and reassure children that they are not to blame for the divorce.

How to start:

• Verbally remind your child often: “We both love you, no matter what.”
• Spend quality time with your child doing activities they enjoy.
• Avoid negative talk about the other parent, so the child feels secure in both relationships.

6. Limit exposure to conflict

Protect children from parental conflicts, as they can increase their distress. Minimizing conflict and creating a harmonious environment can reduce divorce trauma. This may involve setting clear boundaries for communication between parents and addressing disagreements away from the children.

How to start:

• Discuss disagreements in private or through mediation rather than in front of the child.
• Avoid arguing during pick-ups or drop-offs, which can be particularly stressful for kids.
• If tensions rise, take a break before resuming conversations to model calm conflict resolution.

Watch this TED Talk by Tamara D. Afifi, communication professor, who shares that parental conflict—not divorce itself—is what most harms children’s well-being.

7. Support networks

Involve family, friends, and teachers to support and serve as role models for children during their adjustment period. A strong support network can provide additional emotional support and stability for children, helping them cope with the emotional effects of divorce.

How to start:

• Inform teachers about the divorce so they can watch for behavioral or academic changes.
• Encourage your child to spend time with extended family members or close friends.
• Help your child join support groups or activities (like sports, art, or peer groups) to build positive connections.

FAQs

Divorce often leaves parents with many doubts about how it may affect their children. Here are some common questions parents ask, along with clear and concise answers.

• How does divorce affect children at different ages?

Younger children may struggle with confusion and clinginess, while teenagers often show anger or risk-taking behavior. Each age group processes divorce differently, so support should be age-appropriate.

• Can children recover emotionally after a divorce?

Yes. With open communication, reassurance, and stable routines, many children adapt well over time and develop resilience. Early support makes a big difference.

• Should both parents talk to the child about the divorce?

Absolutely. When both parents explain the situation calmly and consistently, children feel more secure and less likely to blame themselves.

Nurturing resilience

While divorce can bring emotional challenges for children, it does not have to define their future. With steady support, clear communication, and a nurturing environment, children can learn to process their emotions and regain a sense of stability. 

Parents who prioritize love, cooperation, and consistency help their children build confidence and resilience. By seeking help when needed and maintaining healthy routines, families can turn a difficult transition into an opportunity for growth, ensuring children feel secure, valued, and hopeful about the future.

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Sylvia Smith Author

Sylvia Smith loves to share insights on how couples can revitalize their love lives in and out of the bedroom. As a writer at Marriage.com, she is a big believer in living consciously and encourages couples to adopt this principle... Read more in their lives too. Sylvia believes that every couple can transform their relationship into a happier, healthier one by taking purposeful and wholehearted action. Read less