Support for Children of Divorce

There is no more challenging issue for families than the impact of divorce on the children that are involved. Although children may have experienced trauma as their parents grew apart, the major impact of such a life-changing event becomes even more pronounced when the separation is final.

As that change unfolds, adults in the child’s life become extremely important as sources of support, love, understanding, and sharing. Of those adults, those most commonly associated with children on a routine basis are teachers and teacher associates in the school setting. This short article provides some guidance and information for educators working with children from divorced families.

Teachers should pay special attention and learn to identify any changes in a child due to the events going on at home. Because of the No Child Left Behind movement, a lot of teachers have become too focused on meeting the standards of that program and a little less focused on the personal attention each child needs.

It may also be helpful for teachers and counselors to learn about local resources available to help children who are going through the divorce process. Many times, there are after-school support programs or financial aid available to help single parents with day care costs.

Thirdly, educators should provide input to school administrators regarding the need for additional social workers and counselors who can intervene on behalf of the children who may be the forgotten victims of divorce. Since school is like a second home to children during the week, it is the logical place for mental health and social welfare assets.

It may be most important for educators to make sure they take the time to listen to the concerns of the single parent in parent-teacher meetings and wherever personal contact is made. This is a valuable opportunity for the parent to express their frustrations, to compare the behavior of the child at school and at home, and find common ground with the educator when it comes to meeting the child’s needs.

When a child experiences abrupt changes that are not dealt with early on, they can lead to emotional problems that can have a very long lasting effect. Educators are in a position to intervene and give support at the earliest and most critical stage of the process when the divorced family needs the most help. Paying attention to changes in the child’s behavior and opening communication with the family are important aspects of being an educator in the 21st century.