Divorce Affects Children’s Education More Than Death

When couples divorce, they often think about the effect it will have on their kids, and for good reason. There have been many horror stories about children who act out after their parents divorce. These children may get into trouble and start falling behind in school. They may use drugs or alcohol. Some may engage in criminal behavior or become sexually active.

Because of these possibilities, many parents are hesitant to divorce, even when their marriage is on the rocks and beyond repair. They don’t want to hurt their children. But is your bright child doomed for a hard life simply because you can’t get along with the other parent?

Not every child of divorce will turn out bad. However, a study does show that children of divorce tend to have more problems with education than children who have had a parent die.

To children, family is important in many ways. The support they  get from family members helps shape their educational opportunities, which means that divorce or death can have a profound effect on children’s outcomes. Finances, culture, and social connections all affect education, and when a parent dies or the parents divorce, all three of these factors tend to be negatively affected. That’s because in single-parent households, there are fewer resources, less time, and less money for the child.

The researchers analyzed data from respondents from 17 different countries. Participants were born between 1945 and 1984. The data included educational attainment, parental educational attainment, parental marital status, parental death information, and demographics.

The results of the research showed that those who experienced divorce or death of a parent during childhood received less education than those who did not experience either of these events. When compared to parental death, though, divorce had a significantly larger effect on educational attainment.

Death is usually seen as a more stressful and traumatic event as a divorce, so why are divorce kids worse off? After parental death, children may face a smaller loss in resources. Plus, they tend to get substantial support from family and friends, who may even take over the role of the deceased parent to some degree. Most families don’t get this level of support in a divorce.

In addition, divorces often come with conflict. There may be abuse or some other extreme factor involved, which can break up extended families. Even today, there is still some stigma attached to divorce, so many people try to stay away from divorcing couples.

Seek Legal Help

If you are a parent considering divorce, you should be aware of how a divorce can affect your child. It’s not an easy transition.

Still, if you really want a divorce, you should try to make it happen. Staying in a bad marriage won’t make you happy. Contact Fort Lauderdale divorce lawyer Edward J. Jennings, P.A. for help with ending your marriage. Schedule a consultation by filling out the online form or calling 954-764-4330.

Source:

psypost.org/2022/09/divorce-appears-to-have-a-bigger-impact-on-childrens-educational-attainment-than-parental-death-63869