Your Parenting Plan: How to Support Your Kids

While half of the population comes from divorced parents and grows up to be well-functioning, capable adults, it’s important to remember that how children cope depends largely on how the divorce is handled and the circumstances surrounding it.

Children often feel vulnerable because they didn’t choose the separation but are still deeply affected by it. This can lead to confusion, internal conflicts, or even self-blame. Some children may blame one parent or both, while others may struggle with feelings of loss, distrust, or insecurity.

In households with high conflict, where arguments and fighting were common, children may even feel a sense of relief once the marriage ends — and with it the hostile environment.

It's also crucial to recognize that a child’s reaction to divorce can vary depending on their age. There is no definitive answer to the "best" or "worst" age for divorce; conflicting research exists on the matter. Many experts agree that children between the ages of 6 and 12 may have the most difficulty. They are old enough to remember the family unit as it was but may not have the emotional tools to fully process the change.

Still, divorce can and will impact children of all...