Children need to have consistent, healthy relationships with their parents to grow into physically and emotionally healthy adults. There are cases where a child cannot have this type of relationship with both of their parents due to death or divorce. When a child loses a parent to death or divorce early in life, the child becomes more likely to develop addictions to alcohol and other drugs in their teens, according to a recent study conducted in the United Kingdom.
The study surveyed 11,000 children at various intervals in their lives. Approximately one quarter of the children lost their relationship with a biological parent due to divorce or death by age seven.
When the children were 11 years old, the survey found that those who had lost a parent were twice as likely to have tried cigarettes and 46 percent more likely to have tried drinking alcohol than those who had not lost a parent. Boys were more likely to have started smoking or drinking by age 11 than girls.
Do not let the results of this survey prevent you from filing for divorce in New Jersey because you are worried about its potential effect on your child. Various other studies have found that it is much healthier for a child to grow up with divorced parents than it is to grow up in a household where tension and conflict are part of everyday life.
Having healthy relationships with multiple adults can play a significant role in determining whether a child starts experimenting with drugs and alcohol at a young age. Coaches, teachers, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and family friends can all be positive role models in a child’s life. Although parents hold the greatest amount of influence over a child’s upbringing, other adults can provide different perspectives and experiences.
If you are considering filing for divorce, be sure to work with an experienced divorce lawyer who can help you reach your goals with minimal impact on your children. Complete our online form or call 732-633-2224 to schedule your initial consultation with the Law Offices of Kisha M. Hebbon, LLC in Somerset, New Jersey.
Our Bridgewater divorce lawyers represent clients throughout New Jersey including Somerset County, Middlesex County, Union County and including but not limited to the towns of Somerset, Franklin, Bridgewater, New Brunswick, East Brunswick, Plainfield, Edison, Metuchen, Woodbridge, Piscataway, Old Bridge, Rahway, Linden, Elizabeth, Cranford, Summit, Union, Clark, Elizabeth, Berkeley Heights, and Scotch Plains.
