Signs Your Child May Be Struggling After Divorce
June 9, 2025

Divorce is a major life change—not just for parents, but for children as well. Even in peaceful, well-handled separations, kids can experience a wide range of emotions. Many children adjust over time with support and reassurance, but some may struggle more than they’re able to express.


As a Parenting Coordinator, Guardian ad Litem, and Mediator, I often meet families who wonder: Is my child okay? The answer depends on the child’s age, personality, and support system—but there are signs that can help you know when they may need extra assistance.


Here are some common signs your child may be struggling after divorce, along with tips on how to support them.}

1. Changes in Behavior or Mood

Sudden mood swings, anger, sadness, clinginess, or defiance can all be signs your child is having a hard time processing the changes.

  • Younger kids might regress (bedwetting, tantrums, thumb-sucking).
  • School-age children may become more irritable or withdrawn.
  • Teens might act out, isolate, or seem uninterested in family life.

💡 Tip: Keep routines predictable and offer extra patience during difficult transitions.


 

2. Trouble Sleeping or Frequent Nightmares

Sleep disruptions can reflect emotional stress, especially in children who are not yet able to talk about what they’re feeling.

  • Trouble falling asleep
  • Nightmares or night waking
  • Needing a parent nearby more than usual

💡 Tip: Offer reassurance and avoid discussing adult issues near bedtime. Consider a calming bedtime routine to help them feel safe.



3. Changes in School Performance

If your child suddenly loses interest in school, starts missing assignments, or their grades drop, it could be a sign of emotional distraction or anxiety.

  • Keep in close contact with teachers to watch for changes in attitude about school or behavior in the classroom.
  • Some kids may fake illness to avoid going to school.

💡 Tip: Let the school know what’s happening at home so teachers can be part of the support system.



4. Avoidance or Discomfort During Parenting Time Transitions

If your child consistently resists going to one parent’s home or becomes upset before or after parenting time, they may be struggling with the adjustment or internal conflict.

💡 Tip: Avoid pressuring your child to choose sides or explain their feelings in front of the other parent. Listen, validate, and seek help if needed. 



5. Physical Complaints Without a Clear Cause

Children often express emotional distress through physical symptoms like:

  • Headaches
  • Stomachaches
  • Fatigue

These are real symptoms—even if there’s no medical issue—and may be linked to anxiety or being emotionally overwhelmed.

💡 Tip: Keep a log of symptoms and when they occur. Patterns can help identify triggers, like parenting time exchanges or family events.

 


How to Help Your Child Cope

  • Let them talk—but don’t force it. Let your child share feelings at their own pace.
  • Keep routines steady. Stability creates a sense of safety.
  • Don’t badmouth the other parent. It puts your child in the middle and increases stress.
  • Consider counseling. A child therapist or family counselor can help children process feelings in a healthy way.

 


Final Thoughts


Children don’t always say, “I’m struggling”—but they show us in other ways. The earlier you recognize the signs, the sooner you can support their emotional recovery and help them adjust to their new normal.


At Hope For Our Future, LLC, we work with parents and professionals to create child-focused parenting plans and communication strategies that support children’s emotional health after divorce.


This post was written by Chelle Hendershot, who is a dedicated Mediator, Guardian ad Litem, and Parenting Coordinator at Hope For Our Future, LLC, with a passion for helping individuals and families navigate through life's most challenging moments. This post is not intended to be legal advice and is for marketing purposes only.


Copyright © 2025 Hope For Our Future, LLC. All rights reserved. This blog post may be shared, copied, and distributed in its entirety for non-commercial purposes, provided that proper attribution is given, and no modifications are made to the original work.


Photo Credit: 148276248 Child Katarzyna Bialasiewicz Dreamstime.com

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