The Impact of Divorce on Children Research Paper - 1

The Impact of Divorce on Children - Research Paper Example One of the most painful and devastating effects of divorce is the loss of parents for these underage children (Abrams, 2003). This happens when there is loss of contact with one or, in extreme cases, both parents. The loss comes with the loss of assistance and emotional help. Parents give a hugely influential psychological help to their children. This includes their duty as role models. It is estimated that non residential mothers do visit their children more frequently that the fathers (Brentano, 2007). Non residential fathers tend to visit their children at most five times in a month. Study shows that 21 per cent of children do not see their father two to three years after divorce. When this contact time is lessened, it means that children shall have to look for some other person to fill in the gap (Abrams, 2003). Most children who end up in criminal gangs come from none functional families (Hetherington & Stanley-Hagan, 1999). Most of them are said to have lost contact with their fathers and, therefore, try to fill in that gap through negative peer pressure (Clarke-Stewart & Vandell, 2000). The quality of the time spent by the parents and a teenage child or adolescent is what actually matters. This is because there are fathers who are always at home but always fight with their children. These are the parents who do not take intentional steps to create bond with their children (Hetherington & Stanley-Hagan, 1999). Emotional disconnection between children and their parents leads to mental instability (Hetherington & Stanley-Hagan, 1999). ... Fathers who help their children in their homework and show care and affection raise children who are better socially (Hetherington & Stanley-Hagan, 1999). Without this connection, children are left in the dark without knowing who to look to for guidance and direction. When parents divorce, children are likely to suffer economically. This means that they are likely to suffer financially more than children whose family is intact (Hetherington & Stanley-Hagan, 1999). There are instances when parents divorce and consequently opt to live in different countries. In this case, children have to choose which parent they want to live with. There are instances when after the division of property, the father of the children who used to be the bread winner files for bankruptcy. In most cases, he urges that he is not capable of supporting the children (Abrams, 2003). In other cases, divorced families change locations, children are forced to change their social set up and the quality of life they a re used to. In most of these cases, it happens quite abruptly. The process of divorce itself can be terribly expensive to the parents and children alike (Wolfinger, 2005). The well being of children cannot be quantified entirely through money. The economics of raising children involves harmony and peace within the family institution. This is because resources are best shared in an atmosphere of peace and tranquility (Abrams, 2003). Divorce involves loss of some supportive relationships and connections. Sometimes, change in the child’s healthcare programs affects the quality of the child’s upbringing. This radical economic change has a devastating effect upon the lives of the children involved. This financial strain becomes a doorway to many other economic challenges for the young