We’ve seen it in our offices and on these pages — divorcing couples with kids don’t know the full impact the separation until it’s too late. Don’t believe us? Then check out the stats from parenting blog NetMums which paints a sad picture of how much damage a parents' divorce is actually causing their children.
Hidden feelings. One of the biggest issues concerning these kids is that they’re not vocal about how they feel. In the report, only 14 percent of children were able to be honest with their parents about how upset they felt, and two in five (39 percent) said they 'hide their feelings from their parents as they don't want to upset them,' while 20 percent felt 'there was no point in telling my parents how I feel as they are too wrapped up in themselves.'
Additional burdens. One in 12 of the group felt forced to look after the parent as the relationship broke down while 35 percent claimed one of their warring parents tried to turn them against the other.
Suicide and depression. Almost a third of the group under 18 described themselves as 'devastated' by their parents divorce while one in 12 thought it meant their parents 'didn't love them' and had 'let them down'. One in eight blamed themselves for the split. A further six per cent considered suicide and one in 50 tried it but was found in time.
Substance abuse. The trauma of the spilt was so bad for some youngsters that five percent drank and three per cent took drugs to cope. In probably the most shockinbg development, 11 percent self-harmed.
More:
Get Families Talking about Separating (NetMums)