Educators and Children of Divorce
There is no more challenging issue for families than the impact of divorce on the children that are involved. Although children may have experienced trauma as their parents grew apart, the major impact of such a life-changing event becomes even more pronounced when the separation is final.
While a child is going through these changes, it is crucial that they receive continuous support, love, understanding, and compassion from adults in their lives. Many times, teachers and school staff are the adults who are best able to provide this support. This article contains some tips and valuable information for school staff who are working with kids from divorced homes.
Educators should watch for changes in the behavior of children as they adjust to the changes at home. Many teachers have become more concerned with testing and benchmarking as a result of the No Child Left Behind Act. This has taken some of their attention away from the less obvious needs of their students.
Secondly, educators should become familiar with resources in the community that are available for children living in divorced homes. Those range from after-school programs for single parents who are the sole wage earner to financial resources that will provide assistance with the cost of child care.
Thirdly, educators should provide input to school administrators regarding the need for additional social workers and counselors who can intervene on behalf of the children who may be the forgotten victims of divorce. Since school is like a second home to children during the week, it is the logical place for mental health and social welfare assets.
The most important thing a teacher can do to help is to be available to a divorced parent for one-on-one conferences or meetings to discuss how the child is dealing with the transition and to keep the lines of communication open so both adults can best deal with what the child is going through.
Significant changes in a child’s life that are not addressed in the early stages of the change can lead to life-long emotional and attachment challenges for the child. Educators have the opportunity to provide support and intervention at that critical time when the newly single parent and the children involved need those supports the most. Taking the time to recognize changes in the child and provide openings for conversations with the child and family is a key action step for teachers in the 21st century.