Consequences of divorce when kids are in college

Family is important to many Massachusetts parents. When kids are young and in the house, parents may feel more obligated to stay together to raise their kids. Two-parent households often feel more effective in raising children.

But when kids go to college parents may think it is a good time to split up and finally get a divorce. Parents may think this will be an easier time to divorce since the kids are out of the house and may feel less affected by it.

However, a recent study suggests that grown children can still feel the impact of a divorce.

Study results

A study looked into the lives of a few college students who experienced divorce in college. It found that half of the group expected their parents to divorce, while a few did not, but were not surprised to hear about it. The study also found that the divorce caused problems particularly around the holidays and with the student’s own future relationships.

What can you do?

These results may discourage parents from divorcing. However, there are still ways you can be there for your children and help them cope, even if they are older and into adulthood.

Being there to listen to and support your children is still important, even if your children are grown up. Have open conversations with your kids and make sure they know this will not change your relationship with them or the integrity of your family.

Divorce is becoming a more common part of many family dynamics, but it can have negative consequences no matter when it occurs. It is a difficult time and it is important for parents to be there for their kids at all times of their lives.