A common theme in divorce is the child thinking that THEY did something wrong……. If there was only a way that parents could divorce legally, have the child switch homes two times per week, alternate holidays and change lifestyle without the child being impacted emotionally.  Is that even possible?  Perhaps the better question is “How is that ?”possible.

Note the sad eyes of he child on the stairs.  The forlorn look while watching her parents argue.  The bottom half of a wedding pic…..  Parents seem to have intense fights.  Who would want their child exposed to such verbal fights?

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Deviant Art, Sapphire’s Story by h0mi3

Link to artwork: http://www.deviantart.com/art/Sapphire-s-Story-556073724

#300, All My Fault

A too common depiction of divorce from the child’s perspective.  How sad that the oldest child is put in a position to protect their younger siblings.  Knowing that ‘other’ parents argue may offer a little comfort.  This artist shares how they are the protector, yet, they too need comfort.  Regardless of the angle, observing and overhearing parental conflict is damaging to the child!

Is the artists’ title of Question 72 revealing more about the experiences of seeing their parents argue?  Is this just one of many questions this character is wondering about?  Perhaps the better question is:

Should a child need to ask questions about how their parents communicate?  Parents are a child’s first introduction to how relationships work?  If a child observes arguments of the two people they love and trust the most, what does that do to the child’s sense of self and sense of security?

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Deviant Art, Question 72, by ask-the-fazbear-kids.

Link to artwork: http://www.deviantart.com/art/Question-72-557025827

#295,  What, Your Parents Argue?

This artist seems confused about understanding the change in his family. He is trying to make sense of the divorce.  Sadly, each parent appears split on the paper torn in half.  Parents, nor the child are expressing emotions indicated with their mouths in a straight line. This child appears lost and forlorn. Papers on the floor are strewn about and solicit no reaction. His efforts in believing divorce is the best way to go are seemingly,  unconvincing. How many children see divorce as better?

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Deviant Art. Divorce by quietkidlucas.

Link to artwork: http://www.deviantart.com/art/divorce-554812229

#293, Still a Broken Family

A heartwarming thought!  Does this wish mean that the child is unable to see their dad anymore?  Or, only a limited basis?  A child has a right to have a relationship with both parents!  This pic conveys the message of the importance of maintaining an emotional bond between parent and child.   

How many parents long to hug their child?

How many children and adolescents wish they could hug their parent on a daily basis?  

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Shared on Father’s Rights are a Human Right.

Link to FB page: https://www.facebook.com/FathersRightsAreAHumanRight?fref=ts

 #289, I wish…

Many time, a child will think the divorce is their fault!  They will think about something they did wrong; acting out at school, poor grades, not doing tasks around the house ask.  They will ask :”What did I do?” “did I do something to make one parent go away? ”  Encourage your child to talk about their feelings.  Work together with your co-parent.  Divorce is between the parents-ABOUT THE CHILD!

Can we work it out?
Can we be a family?
I promise I’ll be better.
Daddy, please don’t leave…–P!nk

A heart-wrenching depiction of divorce!

Over the Garden Wall (c) Pat McHale

Deviant Art.  Over the Garden Wall by AMX-269

http://www.deviantart.com/art/Over-the-Garden-Wall-Family-Portrait-497363566

#287, Everything is My Fault

At the proverbial cross roads in life!  Which way should I go?  Mommy or daddy?  Mommy or daddy?  This black and white photo is upstaged by the adorable, fluffy bear.  Is this something that she treasures?  An object she can turn to when confused, lonely or sad?  Hopefully, her parents are able to comfort her and fulfill her emotional needs.  Divorce can be a confusing time for the child!

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# 282, Which way?

One picture is worth a thousand words!

Parental conflict is distressing, stressful and has long term consequences on the child!  A child in the midst of parental conflict is more likely to engage in drinking, drugging, sexing, and delinquent behaviors.  They are at an increased risk for social problems, academic problems and experience difficulty in relationships.  Simply, parental conflict brings  havoc in your child’s life.

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#274, STOP IT!!