When a man and woman have reached 'irreconcilable differences', they decide to part ways. A lot of debate goes on on how right or wrong divorce is. Its effects are however not debatable especially as it relates to the children.
Divorce can hit them pretty hard. At times children can feel guilty after divorce. They can blame themselves especially if divorce even in the slightest touched on them. Parents fight over financial responsibilities as far as the children are concerned. This, coupled by other factors, can lead to separation.
A parent can also feel that the other is not loving or nurturing their children the right way. A parent can also walk away to save a child from any form of abuse directed to them by the other parent. This can in turn make the child feel responsible for 'causing' the divorce.
Co-parenting is no easy task. Doing it in different roofs makes it even harder. This can be further complicated by the parents re-marrying. Children can have a difficult time accepting their step parents. They may feel as if they are in their life to replace their mother or father. It can foster resentment towards the step parent.
Having parents leading totally different lives can create emotional distance. The children might stay with one parent while the other only having limited visits. One parent might be too unavailable due to the unfriendly setting after divorce.
Some parents are deemed unfit to be around the children. It could be a court ruling or the judgement of the objective parent. Reasons for this could be drug abuse, violence, abuse or being irresponsible in a manner deemed dangerous for the safety and well-being of the children.
Being forced by circumstances to keep away from parents is at times difficult for children to accept. It feels that the parent has chosen their bad habits over being responsible. This is painful for children to accept.