According to Tamara, couples sign divorce papers so that they can separate to live happier lives than when they are together. However, while signing the divorce papers, they ignore the impact of their separation on their children. Studies show that babies are able to identify the voices of their fathers and mothers while still in the womb (Activity 5.1b). As such, a sudden separation will affect the physical and emotional wellbeing of growing children. To prevent such reactions from occurring in their children, parents should find ways to solve conflicts, and also be in a position to speak to them during following a conflict.

During the talk, Tamara suggests ways that parents can use to avoid harming their children during or after a conflict. Firstly, they should create rules to co-parent and cooperate with their children (Tamara, 2012). Cooperation enables children to stay close to their children as they will feel loved by their parents. Mostly, this applies to preteens. Besides, parents should tell the causes of their anger and disengagement to their children so that they can solve them. Solving such issues also enables children to get back to their normal emotional states. In the case of children who are more than twelve years, parents should listen to them more so as to hear their feelings concerning their decisions to divorce (Weaver, & Schofield, 2015). Lastly, patients who divorce and get married to other spouses should define their new relationships to their

In conclusion, parents should be aware that divorcing has negative impacts on the development pattern of their children. Young children tend to experience negative growth patterns while teenagers end up having negative thoughts concerning relationships. Thus, parents should solve arising conflicts for the benefit of their children.

Reference

Activity 5.1b – Unit Notes

Tamara, A. (2012). Impact of Divorce on Children. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cKcNyfXbQzQ

Weaver, J. M., & Schofield, T. J. (2015). Mediation and moderation of divorce effects on children’s behavior problems. Journal of Family Psychology, 29(1), 39.