Children and divorce: an approach for the pediatrician

Pediatricians are often asked to assist families planning or undergoing divorce. Parents generally seek information regarding how and what to tell their children; others bring concerns about their children's emotional responses and subsequent behavior. This article reviews the more common responses of children and parents to the divorce process. Developmental concerns are highlighted, and possible responses to parental questions regarding problems of visitation, dating, and discipline are reviewed. The magnitude of the distress experienced by children of divorce may be related to the failure of parents to understand their children's responses and to provide comforting reassurances. The role of the pediatrician in relieving this distress by counseling parents is emphasized.