When a child is away from their loved ones the attachment process is interfered with, and the child begins to feel mistrust (Gonzalez, p.12). The child begins not trust that the person to which whom they once were very attached to, and begin to feel a fear of abandonment. This fear of abandonment brings up many questions for the child, and makes the child think about things they once did not have to worry about (DeBrod). For example, child members now begin to worry about who will feed them, who will care for them, who will transport them around from place to place, and other things of this nature. This may create great confusion, and fear for the child. .
Fighting is probably one of the most prominent and most common problems a child must deal with when facing a divorce. Fighting among parents is often a reason for which a divorce is needed in the first place. This hostility among the parents makes the child feel guilty, angry, and alone (Hughes). As if the situation were not hard enough, there are times in which the child is made to take sides. This creates confusion for the children and places them in the middle of an adult struggle (Hughes). As one can imagine, this is a very uncomfortable and difficult position for the child. Deciding whom to choose, or whose side to take, can be an extremely stressful thing because if they go with one parent, they may feel as though they are betraying the other parent. This has been my personal experience, as my parents may play mind games with the child, and make them feel guilty when they perceive my actions as choosing the other parent. This in turn can make the child choose a parent out of guilt, even when the parent chosen out of guilt does not satisfy the needs of the Child.
.
Divorce is an ever growing problem in the United States, and according to statistical figures, the rate will soon climb to a 50 percent divorce rate, and the rate of divorces couples with children is around 28-32 percent (Debrod).
