Key Statistics About Kids From Divorced Families

Divorce can be a pivotal experience for children, at times changing the trajectory of their lives. In fact, from a child's perspective, divorce represents a loss of stability, and more importantly, a loss of a united family. Consequently, it is not surprising that a divorce can cause a range of emotional responses in kids including everything from anger and frustration to anxiety and sadness.

But the impact of divorce is not solely emotional. Divorce also can impact kids physically, psychologically, and academically. The following is a closer look at the statistical impact divorce can have on children—even when divorce needs to happen.

Parents who are aware of these consequences and take steps to help their kids not only cope with the situation but also heal from it will see fewer consequences from divorce.

Key Facts and Statistics About Divorce and Children

There is no denying that divorce is hard on everyone involved, but children especially can have a challenging time. If you are considering divorce, it is particularly important that you understand how it can potentially impact your kids. Knowing these potential consequences in advance can help you put together a plan to support your child and help them weather this experience.

Statistics About Physical Effects 

Living through a divorce is stressful, which can take a physical toll on children. As a result, it's not uncommon for kids of divorced parents to experience more health-related issues than children living in intact families.

In fact, research shows that adolescents whose parents have divorced are more likely to experience injury, accidents, and illness than children whose parents have remained married.

An older study found that teens living with both biological parents tended to be more physically healthy than teens from homes without both biological parents present. The study relied on reports from both teens and their parents. Even though their responses were varied, researchers still found a stronger correlation between adolescent well-being and family structure.

This means making sure their children are getting yearly physicals, staying current on vaccinations, having their eyesight evaluated annually, and seeing a dentist at least once a year. They also should make sure they don't allow health complaints or other physical issues to go untreated. Keeping your kids healthy and well-cared for in the midst of a divorce should be a top priority for both parents.

Statistics About Emotional Impact

Divorce is an emotional experience bringing about a range of conflicting emotions and feelings. And when these emotions are not dealt with in a healthy and supportive way, they can create issues in children's lives.

For instance, a 2017 study found that children living in intact, nuclear families are about half as likely as children in step, blended, or one-parent families to have a mental disorder or need psychological help.

In fact, studies show that the psychological effects and emotional strain of divorce even linger into adulthood. For instance, researchers at the University of Toronto found that men from families that divorced during their childhood were more than three times as likely to consider suicide than men whose parents never divorced.

Likewise, adult children of divorce also may have fears about commitment and divorce, and have negative memories of the legal system that forced custody and visitation.

So, if you're living in a high conflict situation or one that involves abuse, don't stay assuming it's better for your children. In many cases, they may fare better after a divorce.

Regardless of the reason for the divorce, it's important for parents to be reassuring. Children do best when they know that their parents are still going to be their parents. They need to know that they will still have parents who plan to be involved in their lives even though the marriage is ending.

In fact, research shows that children do better when parents can minimize conflict and cooperate on behalf of the kids. Considering the potential emotional consequences that children from divorced homes experience, you may want to find a counselor for your child to talk to throughout the process and for a year or so afterward.

Having a neutral party helps kids process their feelings and emotions and can be extremely helpful. If counseling is not an option, you may want to look into support groups or talk with a healthcare provider for recommendations. You also should watch for signs of depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues and bring those concerns to a medical professional right away.

Statistics About Academic Performance

Research has consistently demonstrated that children in situations where their parents have been divorced may earn lower grades than their peers. Over the years, statistics on the educational effects of divorce support these findings.

However, a 2019 study found that these effects are more likely to be experienced in families where the divorce was not expected. In families with high conflict or where divorce is anticipated, for instance, the study found that the impact on academics was less recognizable.

There are a number of reasons why academics may be impacted by divorce. For instance, children may miss classroom time for court dates and may move schools once the divorce is final. They also may receive less parental involvement and direction with regards to their education because they are either living with one parent or bouncing between two homes.

These consequences also may be related to the fact that many children of divorce lose some economic security. A 2014 literature review found that custodial mothers may lose as much as 25% to 50% of their pre-divorce incomes.

From there, parents should work with teachers and counselors to develop a plan to help their children succeed in school despite what is happening at home. This may include helping with homework, arranging study groups, and possibly even utilizing tutoring services. Their teachers also should be able to make recommendations on how to address the educational challenges they are facing.

Other Divorce Considerations

Although statistics vary depending on the source, there is no denying that children in the U.S. experience a rate of divorce that is higher than what children in other countries experience. In fact, it is not uncommon for American children to witness the breakup of their parents' marriage.

Yet there are times when divorce is the best option given the situation. In fact, divorce is often the best answer for children living in homes where domestic violence, abuse, or other harmful behavior patterns occur. Even without those conditions, parents can and do divorce via mediation and consider their children first.

Many states, such as New York, are increasingly friendly toward joint custody. Divorce that leads to happier parents with two stable homes can be—and often is—better for children than an unhappy and chaotic family life in a single home.

It is important that parents do what they can to keep their conflicts away from the kids and work to co-parent with the kids' best interests in mind. In fact, research suggests that parents who recognize the risks associated with divorce and take a pro-active approach can build their kids' resilience.

For instance, warm and nurturing parenting combined with discipline and limit-setting are powerful protective factors. Likewise, positive parent-child relationships characterized by warmth, supportiveness, effective problem-solving skills, positive communication, and low levels of negativity are consistently associated with low negative outcomes from divorce.

Establishing family routines and creating opportunities for one-on-one time communicates to kids that they are loved unconditionally.

A Word From Verywell

Clearly, divorce increases the likelihood that your children will face challenges. As a result, you need to work hard to provide solid, consistent support for your children not only during the process but in the years after.

Parents who find a balance between dealing with the divorce and their emotions while supporting their children throughout the process will see the most success. Remember, the divorce may make sense to you, but it still may be perplexing for your children. Focus on meeting their needs along the way and they can learn to cope with the situation in a healthy manner.