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How can parents help a child sort out his or her complex feelings surrounding the divorce? Experts say the key to helping a child weather a divorce is to understand what the child feels and needs during this time. Just being able to know, from the child's viewpoint, how divorce feels, can be a big step in helping the child manage. These are some fairly common reactions that most children experience when their parents separate or divorce: Sadness - Children may cry more often, and be less able to cope with frustration.
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They may lose interest in what had been fun activities. Some children shy away from playing with their friends, and may begin spending more time alone. Anger - Many children feel anger toward one or both parents, as well as feeling deeply disappointed that the parents couldn't do whatever was needed to stay together. They may act out their anger with classmates and friends. Children are also more apt to be hostile toward the parent who didn't leave the family home, usually the mother, because they are afraid to express anger at the parent who left...afraid that they could lose that parent forever.
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