Beyond Emotional Turmoil: The Hidden Physical and Mental Health Impacts of Parental Separation on Kids
Key Points:
- Family divorce expert reveals the hidden physical health impacts of divorce on children, going beyond the well-known emotional effects
- Physical effects include weight gain, sleep disturbances, and stress-related illnesses
- Expert emphasises that modelling healthy coping mechanisms can significantly mitigate these physical health effects
Divorce touches the lives of countless families each year, with 40-50% of marriages ending in separation. The emotional impact divorce has on children is widely recognized and discussed, with research showing children of divorce under age 14 are 16% more likely to develop emotional disorders. But a family divorce expert is now raising awareness about a lesser-known consequence: the toll divorce takes on children’s physical health.
“Most of us know about the emotional challenges faced by children of divorce, but we’ve uncovered significant physical health impacts that often fly under the radar,” warns Deepa Tailor, a family divorce expert at Divorce Lawyers. “These physical effects can be just as serious and long-lasting as the emotional ones.”
Research has consistently shown that children of divorced parents are more likely to develop mental health and emotional problems, including depression, anxiety, disruptive behaviours, academic difficulties, and more. However, what’s less often discussed is that these children also face a higher risk of physical health issues.
Here, Tailor guides us through the surprising physical health effects of divorce on children, shedding light on this often-overlooked aspect of family separation.
Weight Gain: A Hidden Health Risk
Weight gain in children is one of the most notable physical health concerns caused by divorce that parents overlook. Tailor explains, “When parents split up, it often affects how kids eat and how active they are. This can lead to unhealthy weight gain that’s easy to miss at first.”
In a study in the journal Demography, researchers found that children of divorced parents tend to have higher body mass index (BMI) – a measure of body fat – compared to kids from families that stay together. Interestingly, this effect gets stronger over time. The study showed that three years after a divorce, these children were much more likely to be overweight or obese.
“This research highlights why it’s so important to keep a close eye on kids’ health after a divorce,” Tailor advises. “Parents should focus on maintaining healthy eating habits and encouraging regular physical activity, even when life gets hectic. It can make a real difference in keeping kids healthy during this tough time.”
Sleepless Nights: The Hidden Cost of Divorce
“One of the most immediate effects we see in children after a divorce is disrupted sleep,” Tailor notes. “This can have far-reaching consequences on their overall well-being.”
A study published in the journal Sleep found that children who experience parental separation tend to have poorer sleep quality. The research, which followed children at ages 5 and 9, revealed poorer sleep quality, which, in turn, contributed to various developmental issues.
“Parents should prioritise establishing consistent bedtime routines,” Tailor advises. “Creating a calm, stable sleep environment can help mitigate some of the negative impacts of divorce on a child’s sleep and, consequently, their overall development.”
The Silent Toll: Stress-Related Illnesses
“Divorce can create high levels of stress in children, and their bodies often bear the brunt of it,” Tailor explains. “We see this manifest in various physical health problems.”
Research from the universities of Santiago de Compostela and Vigo supports this observation. Their study found that children of divorced parents are about twice as likely to develop certain health issues compared to those from intact families. These problems include gastrointestinal, genitourinary, and dermatological, and neurological disorders.
“Parents should know, it’s not the divorce itself causing these issues, but how parents handle it,” Tailor emphasises. “High conflict, lack of co-parenting, or family violence can lead to ‘toxic stress’ in children. Parents need to work together to create a stable environment, even if they’re no longer a couple, to protect their children’s health.”
Additional Physical Effects
Tailor highlights a few more specific physical effects that parents should be aware of:
- Headaches and migraines: The stress of parental separation can trigger more frequent headaches in children.
- Weakened immune system: Children may become more susceptible to common illnesses due to divorce-related stress.
- Fatigue: The emotional toll of divorce can manifest as physical exhaustion in children.
“These symptoms might seem minor at first, but they can significantly impact a child’s daily life and overall well-being,” Tailor explains.
Deepa Tailor, Family Expert at Divorce Lawyers, commented:
“Parents can take proactive steps to mitigate these physical effects. Regular paediatric check-ups can catch emerging issues early. Creating consistent routines between households, especially for meals and bedtimes, provides much-needed stability.
“Encouraging enjoyable physical activities helps manage stress and maintain a healthy weight. It’s vital for parents to model healthy coping mechanisms and self-care. Consider family therapy to address underlying tensions.
“Remember, your approach to the divorce significantly influences your children’s adaptation. By prioritising their physical health alongside emotional well-being, parents can help buffer the impact of divorce on their children’s overall health.”
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About Divorce Lawyers
Divorce Lawyers is a premier law firm specialising in family law, providing expert legal support for divorce, custody disputes, and spousal support matters. With a team of experienced attorneys, they offer compassionate guidance and personalised solutions to navigate complex legal challenges. Committed to protecting clients’ rights and interests, Divorce Lawyers ensures a fair and just resolution. Their client-centric approach and deep understanding of family dynamics make them a trusted partner during difficult times. Whether through mediation or litigation, they strive for the best possible outcomes for their clients. For those in need of legal support, the team is readily available to provide assistance every step of the way.
Sources
- Data on health issues of children of divorce was collected by Owenby Law PA: Owenby Law
- 16% increase in emotional problems: The Guardian.
- Divorce leads to anxiety and depression in children: The Wave Clinic.
- Divorce leads to disruptive behaviours and academic difficulties: World Psychiatry.
- Demography study on obesity in children of divorce: LSE
- Sleep Journal, divorce affects kids’ sleep: Oxford Academic
- Divorce leads to stress-related illnesses: EurekAlert!. Original Study in European Journal of Education and Psychology
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
