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In fact, research have suggest that there are a few reasons why divorce can be so debilitating on youths



• The Adolescent Period is Being Affected

Youths needs to be youths and have the emotional safety that parents provide.  However, during divorce, parents can be very self absorbed.  This results in insecurity in the child.  As such, they feel isolated and anxious.  Hence they will be more likely to develop negatively.



• Youths are forced to grow up

Many youths and teenagers feel that their time for growing up is shortened by the divorce.  This may be due to the parent using the child as a confidant, letting them have more extra responsibilities and the inability to provide the previous level of support that they once had.



• Youths feel like it is their fault

Because it is so hard for youths to blame the people they love and admit that they have hurt them.  Youth channel these reasons inwards.  They blame themselves for the cause of divorce. These beliefs can result in youths being angry at themselves, being extremely moody or non-compliant.



• Youths behavioral changes

Being angry and highly critical of their parents’ decision. This anger may be expressed verbally and can be directed at one or both parents.



Withdrawal from one parent as a form of punishment. This might coincide with taking the side of the other parent.



Depressed or withdrawn from one or both parents. Increased time spent away from the family home or locked away in their own room.



Increased desire to spend more time with peers.  Tendency to become argumentative or aggressive if prevented from doing so.



Increased risk taking behaviour such as binge drinking, illicit drug use, sexual promiscuity.



It is clear that divorce can have many debilitating effects on your child in the family.  After all, they are part of the entire family structure and that breakup can be very painful.  It is definitely of utmost importance for these youth's needs and issues to be addressed and met.





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I am Yaw Wen Ping, an individual with strong interest in child and adolescent development.  An advocate of helping children and youths in divorce families.  If you need any help, do not hesitate to contact me.



Email: Wenping.yaw@gmail.com

Phone: 97628789