Our message is simple
when parents separate, children should not
Myths & Facts
At ‘Put Children First,’ we are dedicated to debunking common myths surrounding the impact of family transitions on children and providing evidence-based facts to foster a more informed and supportive approach. Here are some prevalent myths along with corresponding research-backed facts:
Myth: Children are not significantly affected by their parents’ separation or divorce.
Fact: Research consistently shows that children can experience emotional distress, academic challenges, and behavioral changes. A study published in the Journal of Family Psychology (Amato, 2010) found that children of divorce are at a higher risk for psychological and social problems compared to those from intact families.
A longitudinal study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry followed children from divorced and intact families over a 25-year period. The findings revealed that children from divorced families exhibited more emotional and behavioral problems compared to children from intact families.
Myth: Children are better off living with one parent to avoid conflicts.
Fact: Cooperative co-parenting and shared responsibilities are associated with better outcomes for children. Research published in the Journal of Family Issues (Bauserman, 2002) indicated that children in shared custody arrangements had fewer behavioral problems and higher self-esteem than those in sole custody arrangements.
A meta-analysis published in the Journal of Family Psychology synthesized data from multiple studies on shared parenting after divorce. The analysis found that shared parenting arrangements were associated with better outcomes for children in terms of emotional well-being, academic performance, and long-term adjustment.
Myth: Children are resilient and will quickly bounce back from family changes.
Fact: While resilience is possible, the adjustment process is influenced by various factors. A longitudinal study in the Journal of Marriage and Family (Pryor & Rodgers, 2001) highlighted that the impact of divorce on children can extend into adulthood, emphasizing the need for ongoing support.
A study published in Child Development tracked children’s adjustment following their parents’ divorce over a five-year period. The findings revealed that while many children showed resilience, a significant portion experienced ongoing emotional difficulties related to the divorce, highlighting the importance of ongoing support and intervention.
Myth: Children should always stay with the mother for their well-being.
Fact: The well-being of the child is more closely tied to the quality of parenting than the gender of the parent. Research in the Journal of Family Psychology (Fabricius & Luecken, 2007) found that children in joint physical custody arrangements had better academic performance and psychological well-being.
By dispelling these myths with research-backed facts, ‘Put Children First’ aims to contribute to a more accurate and nuanced understanding of the complexities surrounding children’s well-being during family transitions.
