Adjusting to divorce depends on child's age

Researchers say that understanding the influence of developmental stage on children's adjustment to divorce can help practitioners recognize warning signs of difficulties and help them to provide guidance to parents.

Signs of adjustment difficulties in infants differ from those in toddlers and preschoolers. School-aged children may exhibit difficulty with academic performance.

Adolescents may act out, take on excessive responsibility, or worry about adult issues. Drug and alcohol abuse and rules violations are more common in adolescents with divorced parents.

Kleinsorge C, Covitz LM. Impact of divorce on children: developmental considerations. Pediatr Rev. 2012;33(4):147-155.