It is common knowledge that parental divorce is a huge stress for children. Research has shown that kids whose mom and dad split up are, on average, less successful at school. In addition, they often have problems with socialization and the ability to build friendships with peers. Also, children from single-parent families are much more likely to suffer from sadness, feelings of fear and loneliness.
Scientists came to these conclusions by studying children aged 4 years and older. In total, more than 3, 5 thousand babies took part in the study.
Children who have experienced parental breakups are less successful academically. Most often, their ability to study the exact sciences, in particular mathematics, suffers: children from single-parent families, on average, show the worst results on tests in algebra and geometry.
In addition, they more often than their peers from complete families experience feelings of anxiety, fear, and self-doubt. Due to low self-esteem and other psychological problems, it is more difficult for such children to find a common language with their peers and build friendships. This further aggravates their mental state: children of divorced parents often suffer from loneliness.
Scientists believe that problems arise from the fact that children are involuntarily forced to watch the development of the conflict that covers the relationship between dad and mom. Parents blame each other for all sorts of problems and troubles, often scandal. The kid is “dragged” here and there, as a result of which his ability to find his place in society suffers, a feeling of uncertainty and anxiety arises, trust in the world and his immediate surroundings disappears.
Adds fuel to the fire and depression of the father or mother, which almost inevitably “covers” the former spouses after a divorce. In addition, single-parent families often experience financial difficulties.
