Adult Children of Divorce

Children of Divorce

By Ashley Willis Pam StefanAshley EdwardsDamarise HuntWhat is Divorce?Divorce (or the dissolution of marriage) is the final termination of a martial union, cancelling the legal duties and responsibilities of marriage and dissolving the bonds of matrimony between the parties

Except for the death of a spouse or family member, divorce is the greatest stress-producing event in life

StatisticsNew Jersey 200725,687 Divorces January through NovemberRaked 12 out of 50 statesFlorida, Texas, and New York were the top 3www.edivorcepapers.com

Divorce VS MarriagesDivorceMarriages2007856,000 US DivorcesDivorce Rate in NJ 3.0%Ranked 2nd in the World at 54.8% of Us Marriages ends in divorceSweden leads at 54.9%

20072,197,000 US MarriagesMarriage Rate in NJ 5.4%Lowest Marriage rate in the countryChina, US, Russia are the top three countries in marriage rate9,914,000 China2,205,000 US1,262,500 RussiaWebsite: http://unstats.un.org5Family Portrait By PINK http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hSjIz8oQukoCharacteristics of children of divorce Children become hurt by their parents divorceThey feel unwanted and let down by their parentsSome children even become suicidalThey began to have problem with self-esteem or self-conceptCommunication and trust problems also develop after divorce Many are unable to deal with their emotions (either overly angry or overly sad)

After divorce?Many children tend to have a hard time gaining and controlling their own intimate relationship after experiencing divorce of their parentsSome children leave home at a earlier age, get into serious relationships faster and become young parents as a result of divorceMany females end up in abusive relationships because they dont have the strong father figure involved in their lives But what about the family?Families get broken up. Children sometimes have to deal with joint custody, and are moved back and forth between parents.Many times the children end up with the mother and they develop a hatred towards their father because he isn't around for them. Families end up going to divorce court and have to split up everything that the family owns. Parent Alienation SyndromeAlienating parentDisturbed emotionallyTargeted parentGood intentionsChoosing sidesChilds forcedBrain washedChilds feelingsNegative feeling towards targeted parent

treatments

Individual TherapyCognitive BehavioralPsychodynamic: Client and TherapistGroup TherapyArt therapyRole PlayingFamily TherapyFamily and Therapist

Individual TherapyINDIVIDUAL THERAPY: Often children find it difficult to express their feelings (anger, sadness, guilt) to their parents. The introduction of a third party, who is not emotionally involved with the child, or parents provides a means for both parent and child to openly communicate.

Group TherapyGROUP THERAPY: In a small group setting, children begin to accept the fact that their parents' divorce is not their fault. They learn that they are not alone, and begin to build their self-esteem. Art therapy, role-playing, and verbalization of feelings are all used to help children cope with the disruption of their family life.

Family therapyFAMILY THERAPY: Family therapy allows each parent the opportunity to talk with their child and the therapist in a neutral environment.

Adult children of divorce The effect of divorce on children who are already considered adults is often dismissedThey are expected to be an adult and support their parents through the pain of separation and divorce. This can cause great deals of stress.They may also be drawn into their parents arguments in ways that younger children might not be.

15Studies indicate that the most damaging effect of divorce on children arises early in their adult life. Many children of divorce have trouble finding a mate and creating lasting relationships and marriages themselvesBecoming the child of a split household requires a rapid change in a persons world view and the way they perceive themselvesIt can shatter a person's self-image as one of the lucky ones with an intact family and parents who were and are happy togetherIt forces a reevaluation of an adults perception of their childhood.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kYy1_44NE7g

16Parents going through divorce often lean on an adult child as a confidant They may use the child to carry messages between parentsThey may also tell the child, Youre just like your mother/father! This can be detrimental to the adult childs own healing and development

17Medicines ChildrenAdultsSerotonin Specific Reuptake Inhibitor for DepressionAntipsychotics for childrenExtreme Behavioral Problems

Serotonin Specific Reuptake Inhibitor for DepressionAnti-Anxiety ProzacPaxilZoloftAlternativesNutrition/VitaminsSublimationExerciseMeditationBreathing ExercisesYogaStress ManagementSupport GroupsParentswithoutpartners.orgDivorce care.comResponsible-divorce.com

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