If you're going through a divorce, chances are you're not feeling very good about it. You may be feeling scared, sad, angry, or any number of other negative emotions. And while it's perfectly normal to feel this way, it's important to remember that your children are likely feeling the same way—even if they don't show it. In fact, divorce can have a profound effect on children of all ages. Here's a look at how divorce affects children of all ages, from infants to adults
How Divorce Affects Infants and Toddlers
For infants and toddlers, the effects of divorce can be both immediate and long-lasting. According to Dr. Kyle D. Pruett, a clinical professor of psychiatry at Yale University School of Medicine, the "single most devastating event" in a young child's life is the loss of a parent through divorce. And while infants and toddlers are too young to understand what's happening, they can sense the tension and stress that comes with it. This can lead to problems with sleeping and eating, as well as increased irritability and crying. In some cases, infants and toddlers may also regress in their development, such as reverting back to bedwetting or thumb sucking.
How Divorce Affects School-Age Children
For school-age children, the effects of divorce can be both immediate and long-lasting. According to Dr. Kyle D. Pruett, a clinical professor of psychiatry at Yale University School of Medicine, the "single most devastating event" in a young child's life is the loss of a parent through divorce. And while school-age children are old enough to understand what's happening, they may have difficulty accepting it. This can lead to problems with sleeping and eating, as well as increased anxiety and depression. In some cases, school-age children may also struggle academically or socially as a result of the divorce.
How Divorce Affects teenagers
The effects of divorce on teenagers can be both immediate and long-lasting. According to Dr. Kyle D. Pruett, a clinical professor of psychiatry at Yale University School of Medicine, the "single most devastating event" in a young child's life is the loss of a parent through divorce. And while teenagers are old enough to understand what's happening, they may have difficulty accepting it. This can lead to problems with sleeping and eating, as well as increased anxiety and depression. In some cases, teenagers may also struggle academically or socially as a result of the divorce."
How Divorce affects young adults
Looking back, the effects of a divorce on a young adult are numerous. Young adulthood is a phase of life when many transitions and dramatic changes are already occurring; having to deal with the fallout of a parental divorce can be hugely disruptive and emotionally taxing, negatively impacting various aspects of life all at once. But while it’s easy to focus on the negative, there’s also often a lack of awareness over how resilient young adults can be in learning to cope with difficult situations such as this. Now that you know more about how divorce affects young adults, why not reach out and have an honest discussion with someone who has shared these experiences? Not only will engaging in conversations like these help raise an even greater level of public understanding around this issue, but it may also provide invaluable comfort and support for those going through similar struggles. So if this is something you or someone close to you is dealing with today, don’t hesitate to start talking--we’re here!
My son actually was just thirteen and I had young adults at the time of my divorce. However, I was so hooked in my mental breakdown after 20 plus years with my ex . I didn't realize the needs of my adult children. We have used various methods of coping with the trauma and would be glad to talk to you about it. please reach out, you're not alone
Grief, as much as we might wish otherwise, is an emotion that doesn't conveniently pack its bags and take off after a set period. It settles in and becomes an enduring part of us, like a tattoo on the heart. Whether it’s been two months or two years, the longing for a lost friend, brother, or child can still catch us by surprise, sweeping over us like an unexpected breeze. It’s those small moments—the favorite song coming on the radio, the scent of their favorite meal cooking, or a shared joke echoing in our mind—that bring back a flood of memories and the realization of their absence.
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While Peace & Calming doesn’t erase the loss or the longing—I wouldn't want it to, as those feelings are tied to someone truly loved—it has helped me find a semblance of tranquility amidst the stormy sea of emotions. Its soothing, sweet fragrance helps ease the tension each time that wave of grief washes over me, allowing me to take a deep breath and find a moment of peace.
If you're navigating the turbulent waters of grief, as many of us are, I encourage you to be gentle with yourself. Allow the memories to come and go freely, acknowledging the pain but also cherishing the love that remains. And, if you haven't already, consider inviting Peace & Calming into your self-care routine. It’s not a magic wand, but it helps illuminate a path towards finding peace in the quiet moments and acts as a supportive friend on the journey through grief. Remember, it’s okay to feel, and it’s okay to seek support, whether from a cherished aroma or a community of empathetic hearts who walk this path beside you.
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