The Effect of Divorce on Children Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

The Effect of Divorce on Children - Essay Example However, it is only a minority of them who have long-term problems (Burke, Mclntosh and Gridley; Divorce- Effects On Children). Thus the impact can be viewed from an optimistic as well as from a pessimistic viewpoint. Optimists view divorce as an end to marital stress and problems and that both parents and children would benefit from the process as the single parent can remarry to a more suitable partner and provide a secure family to the child. Pessimists view the process as highly challenging for the single parent as it could be difficult to make the child completely understand the situation and accept another family (Evans et al). Research evidences support the pessimistic view point that states that divorce does have a negative impact on the child. The age of the children who are involved also plays a vital role when considering the actual effects of divorce. In Australia during the period 1991-2001, there has been a steady rise in the number of children going through parental di vorce. While it was 46, 700 in 1991, the number of children in 2001 was approximately 53,400 (Measures of Australia’s progress). ... Children who live in single-mother household, which is becoming more common after divorce off-late (Divorce- Effects On Children), experience difficulties in getting suitable education and work compared to children from two-parent families (Evans et al; Funder and Kinsella; Children and Divorce). This is mainly attributed to reduction of resources as a result of which children are unable to attain their full potential. Those who do not achieve good education tend to have lower self-esteem which in turn forces them to leave home which often results in quicker marriage and thus an overall lower fulfilling achievement in life (Funder and Kinsella). Thus success or failure in education tends to affects the overall quality of life of the child. Hence this is considered to be an important effect due to divorce (Evans et al). The various effects that divorce has on children are summarized below. Economic effects As it is common in many countries for children to live with their mothers after their parents divorce, there is a definite lack of resource when compared to the pre-separation situation despite assistance from fathers and other sources, according to certain reports. Lack of sufficient resources would prevent the child from developing into a more competent individual as they might not get the required educational and social exposures (Funder and Kinsella). According to a report by Evans et al, children coming form divorced families get half a year less education compared to those coming from intact families. Such an effect is mainly attributed to loss of parental guidance and emotional and economic support (Evans et al). Increase of family income through a step-father helps to stabilize the economic status; however it