Parental responsibility: Minimizing divorce effects on kids

A recent study conducted by sociologists shows that who are younger than seven when their parents divorce are likely to suffer long-term health effects than if their parents divorce when they are older. Those who parents divorced before the kids were old enough showed more ill health by the time they turned 50. The study showed that parental divorce during this time is also associated with lower physical functioning.

Data also showed a heightened risk of late childhood behavioral problems and more of a likelihood to smoke as adults. In fact, the study showed that children might start to smoke to deal with the emotional and psychological impact associated with their parents divorcing. Earlier studies, however, failed to show the correlation.

The bottom line is that divorce is hard not only on the couple, but their children. And when a Florida couple realizes their parental responsibility and makes the decision to divorce bearing in mind what would be best for their children, they may be able to counteract some of the detrimental effects. Speaking with an attorney to become clear on the legalities of divorce may help a parent make a more prudent decision when it comes to the timing of the separation.