“There are years that ask questions and years that answer.” ~Zora Neale Hurston
My childhood was over at the age of 13. My father sat me and my brother at the kitchen counter and announced that they were divorcing. The pain of losing the only member of my family was felt immediately.
Although I was devastated as a teenager at this news, it would take me another twenty years to fully understand the extent of what had happened. This is to admit that I never truly grieved the loss.
Although divorce is very common in the United States it is not an easy experience for children and teens. Divorce is considered an adverse childhood experience or childhood trauma. This can have long-term financial, behavioral and health consequences. Divorced children are more likely to develop psychological disorders and have lower education levels. They also experience relationship difficulties.
But not every divorce is the same and each child will be affected differently. This can be a buffer against any long-term harm if the children feel loved, supported, and protected by their parents after the divorce.
However, in many cases…
