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Divorce Affects Children’s Ability to Learn and Make Friends

Children whose parents divorce are likely to develop mathematical and social skills at a slower rate than children unaffected by divorce, a recent study has suggested. The research, conducted by PHD student Hyun Sik Kim, of the University of Wisconsin, showed that children’s performances in maths tests worsened whilst their parents’ divorces were processed and that they are also far more likely to display problems with their interpersonal skills and internalising behaviour during this period. It had previously been thought that disputes at home would have detrimental effects on children immediately, but contrary to this belief, Kim’s research showed that the children studied displayed no negative effects of paternal conflict until after their parents had commenced divorce proceedings. The report also claimed that children of divorce are more prone to feelings of anxiety, loneliness, low self-esteem and sadness. No negative effects on the children’s reading ability was found, with it being suggested that this stems from the fact that reading does not require the same level of cumulative development as maths. Kim attributed these developmental and emotional setbacks to the stress of living with bickering parents, the unstable living arrangements associated with separated parents and the potential economic hardship that can arise from a drop in familial income. Fortunately, children do not show any further negative effects post-divorce and Kim himself has also suggested that effectively managing a divorce and talking your children through the process, along with the reasons as to why a divorce is necessary, can minimise or even eradicate the negative effects that divorce can have on children. “If they understand [the divorce], children may be able to concentrate better and form friendships.”

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