Have your child’s grades started slipping after your divorce? Maybe your child used to be top in the class and now they seem to be struggling. Could your divorce have affected their education? The answer might surprise you. If your child is struggling after your divorce, there is a lot that you as a parent can do to help your child get their good grades back, and become happier emotionally.
Keep reading for all you need to know about the effects of divorce on your child’s education.
Does divorce affect a child’s education?
The answer is yes.
Statistics show that children of divorced parents are twice as likely to repeat a grade or five times as likely to get expelled or suspended from school. There are many statistics that show, that children who come from divorced homes, tend to act out more violently, abuse drugs or alcohol, or engage in sex at a younger age. This affects how they perform in school. Many teachers have mentioned that it is hard to deal with children who come from divorced families because of the psychological effects that they suffer. Children carry their emotions with them to school.
According to Complete Case, younger children may be more clingy, demanding and have a fear of abandonment.
A study, carried out by Psychology Today, showed 15% of children who lived with their mothers and who had no contact with their fathers, were expelled from school. And 13% of these children dropped out of school altogether. Another sad statistic from this study is that barely half of these children went to college. As you can see, divorce does have an effect on children and their education.
Another study done in Norway showed that the age the child is when their parents get divorced can affect their education. For example, if a child’s parents get divorced when they are younger, they will be more likely to struggle educationally. But then again another study published in America found that children whose parents get divorced when they are older, seem to have worse grades in comparison to children whose parents got divorced when they were younger.
Another problem which can affect a child’s education is moving. When parents get divorced, the chances are that they will move. Maybe to a new home, a new town, a new state and a new school. This instability affects a child emotionally and that, in turn, will affect their grades.
Children who come from divorced families are also 60% more likely to skip school. Girls seem to skip school more than boys, the studies show.
One other study found that children who still have both biological parents care more about how well they do in school. Married parents were also reported to have greater involvement in their children’s education than parents who were divorced. Therefore kids that come from intact families are more likely to do their homework and study for tests and so on.
How can you help your child?
Even though statistics seem quite bleak, there is a lot you can do as a parent to help your child. Teachers can also help children who come from divorced families. If you notice that your child is beginning to struggle at school, then there are a few things that you can do. Let the teachers know that you are going through a divorce. This will also help the teachers understand if your child acts out in any way. As a parent, you can be there for your child. Let them tell you how they feel. Listen to them and try to understand what they are going through. Teachers can do the same for children. If teachers show interest in the child and listen to them, this can make the child feel safe and supported, which will have a positive impact on their learning. Teachers can also tell the parents how the child is faring at school. This will then allow the parents to help their child. If a child is really struggling, parents can arrange for a child to see a psychologist. This will be most beneficial, as a child can talk to someone without having to feel guilty. The psychologist can also help the child to deal with their emotions in healthier ways.
Consistency is also really important. When a child’s world has been turned upside down, parents and teachers can help keep routines, as similar as possible. If a child knows what’s expected of them, and routines remain consistent, then this will help them feel secure. It is also important for parents and teachers to make sure that their children have supportive friendship groups at school. Teachers can also be flexible when it comes to a child’s schoolwork and support the child in a positive way.
Compassion goes a long way. If parents and teachers can show compassion to a child who is going through a difficult time emotionally, this can really help them to cope.
Often times during a divorce, families suffer from financial hardships. This can also impact the way a child is at school. Teachers can perhaps see if the child can get financial aid for schooling, or perhaps provide food for the child and their family if things seem particularly bad.
Most importantly, keep showing your child love. If a child feels loved, supported and safe, they will then fare better emotionally and academically.
On the last note
Divorce is really hard for children emotionally. There are many studies that show the effects of divorce on children. They might be abandoned, angry, hurt and unloved. These strong emotions flow into their school work. It is really important for parents and teachers to show love, compassion, and consistency to children who are going through a divorce. Most children are okay after their parent’s divorce. Studies have revealed that the first year after a divorce is the hardest. With time and love, children can heal. As long as both parents show love and support, things will be okay.
