Children from Wealthy Families Also Have a Tough Time with Divorce
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iStock/Thinkstock(WASHINGTON) — Marital break-ups certainly have an effect on children but as a Georgetown University study points out, divorce can have a bigger impact on youngsters from wealthier families than those struggling to make ends meet.
Rebecca M. Ryan and her staff looked at children ages three to 12 with behavioral problems in families living well above, well below and hovering around the federal poverty line.
What they noticed was that youngsters five and younger from the higher income households tended to be more aggressive and defiant than their peers who weren’t as well off.
Ryan explains that it might be related to a sudden shift in economic fortunes compared to poorer families whose incomes aren’t affected nearly as much by the departure of a spouse.
However, children ages six and up seem to handle break-ups better, particularly when a new stepmother or stepfather is introduced into the equation, according to Ryan, because that tends to also improve financial status.
Nevertheless, the researchers say parents should keep a close watch on their children’s behavior during a split and try to remain in close contact with their kids. Parent education programs that teach coping skills are also recommended.
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