Divorce is a major life event that is stressful for all parties, including any children involved in the situation. A high-conflict divorce, or one in which the spouses greatly contest factors such as assets and child custody, is especially taxing on the minor-aged kids caught in the middle.
Here are some of the ways that a high-conflict divorce affects kids in Texas.
It may bring up feelings of anxiety
Going through a divorce is a time of great uncertainty. Not knowing which parent they may end up spending the majority of their time with, for example, can be a source of anxiety and anger for many children. Some divorces involve selling the family home, which can be another cause of anxious feelings in kids.
It alters their routines
Most divorces, and especially those mired in conflict, require young children to alter their routines on some level. For instance, kids may need to spend more time in the car as they travel back and forth from one parent to the next. If there is an ongoing custody dispute happening, the days spent traveling may change several times throughout the process.
It affects how they see their parents and the world
During a high-conflict divorce, children may witness their parents saying unpleasant things to and about each other. Seeing that not all relationships work out can be a rude wake-up call for many kids.
By being aware of the ways that a high-conflict divorce might affect kids, parents can take steps to protect their children as well as they can.