The decision to have a divorce is never an easy one to make, and seems complicated enough. However, it is always important to understand what a divorce can do to a child. Recent studies have found that the psychological toll of a divorce can lead to increased risky behaviors in young children. When going through the process of a divorce, it is necessary to be aware of these concerns, and to be careful and attentive to your children’s needs.
Divorce and Risky Behaviors
If not handled well, a divorce can cause feelings of abandonment in children. This itself leads to an increase in risky behaviors at a young age. An early divorce can lead to children turning to tobacco and alcohol before they even hit their teens. Researchers found that children who lost a biological parent, whether through divorce or death, before the age of seven were twice as likely to smoke and drink as preteens. It is likely that these behaviors are taken up as an attempt at self-medicated stress relief.
Research Details and Conclusions
The study cited was the UK Millennium Cohort Study, which recorded data for thousands of children born between 2000 and 2002. Of 11,000 children, more than a quarter experienced biological parental absence before the age of seven. The researchers concluded that that a large range of factors associated with the absence of a parent caused these issues. In particular, the combination of a perceived lack of parental supervision and an inability to properly cope may be a primary psychological factor in this phenomenon.
Baltimore Divorce Lawyers at the Law Offices of Allyson B. Goldscher, LLC Handle the Complications of Divorce in Maryland
Divorce is a harsh reality and a tough process to go through. With so much to handle, there is always the risk that one’s children may feel neglected. If you or someone you know is going through a divorce in Maryland, then the experienced and dedicated Baltimore divorce lawyers at the Law Offices of Allyson B. Goldscher are ready to help you. With our extensive experience in family law and divorce in Baltimore, we can help make the process as smooth as possible so you can dedicate your time to helping your children. From our offices in Stevenson, Maryland, we represent clients from throughout the area, including Baltimore and Stevenson. Call us at 410-602-9522 or contact us online for a consultation.
