Divorce Chicago - How Fathers Impact the Health and Development of Children involved

Divorce Chicago - How Fathers Impact the Health and Development of Children Involved.
By: M. Scott Gordon

Let’s discuss the impact Divorce has on Children and how Fathers play a critical role in the healthy development of the boys and girls involved in the process. 

When Divorce in Chicago, and the surrounding areas occur, every Family situation can be different and the process of Divorce introduces a very large change into the life of children, no matter what the age or location. Witnessing loss of love between parents, having parents break their marriage commitment, adjusting to going back and forth between two different households, Child Custody, Residential Custody and the overall daily absence of one parent while living with the other, all create challenging new family circumstances in which to live. In the personal history of the child, parental divorce can be a watershed event. Life that follows is significantly changed from how it was before.

For the children involved in a divorce, the process can disrupt the trust in dependency when parents now behave in undependable ways. Visitation and scheduling typically become the child’s normality when dealing with a split in the “Family Unit” and children must learn to transition back and forth creating unfamiliarity, instability, and insecurity and never being able to be with one parent without having to be apart from the other. Establishing a custody agreement assigns residence, a visitation schedule and routines so the child understands what to expect. Having both parents involved is a benefit in the healthy development of a child as long as both parents are a positive impact on all children involved.  Mothers and Fathers play distinct roles with children and when going through the Divorce Process, or Custody matters it is important both parties advocate for the best interest of the child or children involved.

 Father’s Rights – A Father’s love for his children are worth protecting. Both parties must ensure that the divorce doesn’t compromise the rights of the children and the relationship they have with each parent.

Children with involved, caring fathers have better education outcomes.  

According to the Child Welfare Information Gateway, A number of studies suggest that fathers who are involved, nurturing and playful with their infants have children with higher IQs, as well as better linguistic and cognitive capacities. Toddlers with involved fathers go on to start school with higher levels of academic readiness. They are more patient and can handle the stresses and frustrations associated with schooling more readily than children with less involved fathers. Fathers have a powerful and positive impact upon the development and health of children.

The influence of a father’s involvement on academic achievement extends into adolescence and young adulthood. Numerous studies have found that an active and nurturing style of fathering is associated with better verbal skills, intellectual functioning, and academic achievement among adolescents.  The U.S. Department of Education found that highly involved biological fathers had children who were 33% more likely to attend college, and 43% less likely to repeat a grade.

One of the most important influences a father can have on his child is indirect. Fathers tend to influence their children in large part through the quality of their relationship with the mother of their children. A father who has a good relationship with the mother is more likely to be involved and to spend time with his children and to have children who are psychologically and emotionally healthier. Similarly, a mother who feels affirmed by her children’s father and who enjoys the benefits of a happy relationship is more likely to be a better mother. The quality of the relationship affects the parenting behavior of both parents.

If you have any questions regarding this blog, the information included or you would like to speak with an Attorney at M. Scott Gordon & Associates regarding your case feel free to contact us here, or call one of our offices to see how we can help. Family Law Advocate Skokie Office 847-329-0101, Chicago Office 312-360-0250.