The Impact of Divorce On Children

1
The Impact of Divorce On Children

• Jessica Bamman, Nate Peterson, Dan Remus,
  Travis Rader

2
Divorce Statistics

• Each year one million divorces take place
• Number of children with divorced parents has
  increased 700
• From 1970-1996 the number of children with
  divorced parents has increased 16

3
Statistics of Divorce

• 70 of long term prison inmates grew up without a
  father
• 60 of rapists
• 75 of adolescent murders
• Children are three times more likely to drop out
  of school, require psychiatric treatment,
  commit suicide.
• 40 more likely to experience child abuse

4
Statistics of Divorce

• These statistics show that divorce effects
  children greatly and it is obvious that divorce
  has a negative effect.

5
Age 6-8

• Tends to be vocal
• Assumes responsibility for divorce
• Grades suffer

6
Preteen 9-12

• Focused on physical aspects
• Grades suffer
• May experience depression
• Assume responsibility for absent parent
• Depend on non-family relationships

7
Teenagers

• Grades suffer
• May resort to drugs crime
• Wonder about their relationship abilities

8
Alternatives to Divorce

• Counseling
• Most often tried
• Not always fool proof method of healing a
  relationship

9
Alternatives to Divorce

• Couple remains married, but takes time apart from
  another.
• Usually one family member leaves the home.
• Other times they avoid each other, to pretend
  everything is ok for the children.

10
Alternatives to Divorce

• Couple does nothing and continues on with life.
• Usually takes place in abusive relationship out
  of fear or for the sake of the children.

11
Discussion

• Should unhappy marriages stay together for the
  sake of the children?
• Do you think that children from broken homes are
  at a disadvantage compared to children from
  intact families?
• Should there be stricter requirements for
  marriage and divorce? If so, what should they be?

12
Intimacy

• Cumulative impact of divorce (20s-30s)
• Pessimistic (fear, failure, destiny to divorce)
• Lack of trust, templates for role models
• Family patterns must be understood and
  constructive changes must take place in order to
  nurture and maintain long lasting relationships.