When having divorced parents, many people believe it cannot have an effect on a person’s life, but that is just the opposite. 

According to the Association for Marriage and Family, Over the years in a child’s development, 40%-50% of parents separate during a child’s early years. This can have an affect on the child’s mental health and academic performance. 

This can influence a child’s character development.

Although it affects many areas of a child’s life, I think the most overlooked problem is their mental health. Some young adults may experience ‘instability’ in homes when facing separation. This can lead to depression and a decline in a child’s performance in school and sports.

However, others may see parental separation as an advantage because children with separated parents may receive twice as many gifts on Christmas or on their birthday. 

On the other hand, for the child, it is not the amount of gifts they receive, but it’s about not having a connected family to share it with. For example, some kids can feel guilty and hurt when they don’t have a family to spend that time with. 

They can also feel different from everyone else.

Many children who grow up with separated parents dedicate their lives to become better than their parents. Parents’ decisions can have an influence on their children.

“I didn’t want that to be my life, and I didn’t want that to happen with me and my relationships,” sophomore Isaiah Wilson said.

Even though quite a few struggle with this problem, I believe focusing on the child’s mental health is the primary obstacle because it shapes who they become in life.