A divorce can be a scary experience for a child, uprooting their sense of stability, introducing discord into a formerly happy home, and implementing an entirely new normal. Understandably, making the transition to a single-parent household may be challenging for a kid. Just as you have your friends for guidance and a divorce attorney for legal advice, so too should a child have the support they need. But first, you need to be aware of some of the common signs that they may be struggling with the divorce.

How to Tell If a Child Is Struggling With a Divorce

1. Appetite or Sleep Changes

A child preoccupied with thoughts of divorce may find their regular eating and sleeping patterns upset. Their appetite might noticeably decrease, or they could start eating more—especially junk foods—for comfort. Intrusive thoughts can alter their sleep patterns in either direction as well; their thoughts may keep them up at night, preventing sleep, or their sleeping could increase as a means of escape. Always take appetite and sleep changes seriously as these are also telltale symptoms of depression.

2. Separation Anxiety

This is more common in younger children. If your child displays signs of anxiety when separated from you, it could be a byproduct of the divorce. In their young minds, one parent has already left the home, so they may feel desperate to hang onto the one who has stayed. Anxiety can manifest as crying, temper tantrums, anger, or overt clinginess.

3. Academic Issues

A decline in academic performance is another indicator that a child's mind is on a more pressing concern. And few things are more pressing than what's happening at home and within the family unit. Despite your best intentions to leave the stresses of the split at your divorce attorney's office, the fraught energy can sometimes make its way into the home. Also, be mindful of a child's behavior at school. If they've suddenly stopped paying attention in classes or have gotten into trouble for misbehaving, it may signal struggles with the divorce.

Divorce attorney Don Roberts of the Don Roberts Law Offices will guide your family through the divorce process. Serving the Hilliard, Columbus, Dublin, and Franklin County areas of Ohio, Attorney Roberts offers representation as a divorce and custody lawyer and criminal law attorney. He is known for his passionate advocacy and proactive approach to the law. Call (614) 777-4500 or visit his office's website to schedule a free consultation with a trusted divorce attorney.

_{Don Roberts Law Offices is based in Columbus, Ohio, but serves clients throughout the State of Ohio. Our office in Hilliard, Ohio is convenient to Dublin, New Jefferson, Bexley, Westerville, New Albany, Hilliard, Grove City, Reynoldsburg, Gahanna, and other Franklin County municipalities. Our office is located in central Ohio and is just a short drive to/from anywhere in Ohio. Attorney Advertising. This website is designed for general information only and should not be construed to be formal legal advice nor the formation of a lawyer/client relationship. See our profile at Avvo.com or Martindale.com.}