Do you know someone who has watched their parents go through a divorce? A common answer to this question is yes. Even though this is considered to happen often in the United States, parents don’t realize the effect is has on their children. In this case, therapy could be their best option. However, some families have complications that get in the way of paying for their children’s therapy.
As a child of divorced parents myself, I get reminded everyday that I can’t have both of my parents living in the same household. I don’t spend my Saturdays in the living room watching TV with my dad while mom is on a call with her friend. I don’t have a “fun” parent and a “strict” one. Seeing other people enjoy family time and realizing my parents are separated and in different countries has affected me negatively in many ways.
Some people might say that divorce doesn’t involve children, but sometimes it’s children who are affected the most; that’s why therapy should be a must. Children are not only aware of the situation, but they might also see some side-effects from it. These include depression, anxiety, behavior problems, and even trouble focusing in school. According to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP), “Vulnerability to both physical and mental illnesses can originate in the traumatic loss of one or both parents through divorce.” I’m not saying therapy will always solve all of these problems, but it does help a lot.
While parents might be on board to take their kid to therapy, they might not have the funds for it, especially during a divorce. According to a study conducted by Martindale Nolo, “The average divorce in the U.S. costs approximately $15,500.” Sometimes the price can even go up if parents have children. In another study, Seth C. Weston states, “In fact, the average cost of a divorce in Virginia increases by $7,300 to $21,800 when children are involved.” This leads to parents rethinking their decision of getting therapy for their children, which leaves the child dealing with the attendant stress and anxiety all on their own.
Divorce is not just a separating from each other. It comes with many things attached to it, which can all affect the parents and their children. Parents might be too to provide therapy to their children. This is why therapy should be free for all children who are going through their parents’ divorce. It will be less stressful for the parents, and it will help children get through those hard times.
