How/why does divorce effect children in academic performance? BryAnna Weaver Position Synthesis English 1010

Background Majoring in Elementary Education Family and Human Studies (FSH-1500) Intro to Education (EDU-1010) First, my question was; does divorce have an effect on children and their academic performance? Children WILL be effected by divorce, but how and why? I developed a more specific research question.

Interesting facts that are relative to my research question. less then 10% of people will never marry, or have some form of committed partnership. About half of first marriages end in divorce, and the percentage is even higher for remarried couples. There is only a 54% chance that marriages will make it 20 years (for Caucasians) More than half of divorce cases affects at least one child.

Factors That Make Divorce More Likely Before Marriage Divorced parents Either partner under age 21 Cohabitation before marriage Previous divorce of either marriage During Marriage Divergent plans and practices regarding childbearing and child rearing Financial stresses Communication difficulties Lack of time together In the culture Laws that make divorce easier Approval of Remarriages Acceptance of single parenthood Weak religious values High divorce rate in cohort

How children are effected in academic performance due to divorce. Children are more likely to drop out of high school Less likely to enroll in college Chances of them getting divorced latter in life are higher Lower GPA and standardized test scores Lower self-esteem Behavior problems (bullying, depression, anger, anxiety, etc.) Some research pointed out the different effects divorce had on genders. (After discovering how divorce effects children in academic performance, the “why?” became more important in my research.)

Socioeconomic Status of Parents Considers parents’ educational attainment, occupation, level of income and social class placement. These aspects could determine if a child’s needs are addressed. Low socioeconomic effects resources for children Divorce can lower socioeconomic statues in families. Therefore, Children obtain less resources needed for academic achievement. Home environment Health Other children in single-parent homes not due to divorce…

Lack of Recourses Books Choice of schools Supplies Activities Sports Extra curricular Motivation? Support? Cultural? Parental involvement?

Timing Children will suffer more if divorce occurs during critical developmental stages. It’s important to look at the effect of divorce on children’s academic achievement over time and not just a particular stage or point in a child’s life. Effects over time Multiple transitions

Stability New homes, schools, parents, and rules Different parenting style between biological parents More contention between biological parents Different parenting style from stepparents Different socioeconomic status

Mindfulness Mindful Parenting Program Improving parenting after divorce through a mindful parenting program Its focus Is to enhance interpersonal and emotional connection in the parent-child relationship. The Mindful Parenting Program did increase mindfulness, but not necessarily improve parent-child connectedness.

Children From Divorced Families vs Children From Divorced Families vs. Children From Different Family Structures Children from divorced families vs. children from two- biological parent families Children from divorced families vs. adopted children Children from divorced families vs. children from a never married parent Children from divorced families vs. children from divorced families but now with a stepparent Children from divorced families vs. children from a cohabitating parent

Conclusion Children do not do poorly in academics because of divorce itself, but rather the circumstances and problems that divorce causes. In my opinion I do not think children suffer because of socioeconomic statuses, lack of resources, parental mindfulness, or stability, but more parent-child connectedness. Divorce effects parent-child relationships, which in return effects children emotionally, and mentally causing them to suffer in their academic performance. Quality time, investment, interest, focus, dedication, and understanding from parents is essential to children in their over-all well being and success.

What I want my research question to solve. Help me be aware of children’s struggles so that I can prepare myself to be an impactful and effective teacher http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RzicjVLlAL4

Work Cited Altmaier, Elizabeth, and Raelynn Maloney. "An Initial Evaluation Of A Mindful Parenting Program." Journal Of Clinical Psychology 63.12 (2007): 1231- 1238. Academic Search Premier. Web. 9 Nov. 2013. Morrison, Donna Ruane, and Andrew J. Cherlin. "The Divorce Process And Young Children's Well-Being: A Prospective Analysis. “Journal Of Marriage & Family 57.3 (1995): 800-812. Academic Search Premier. Web. 11 Nov. 2013. Sun, Yongmin, and Yuanzhang Li. "Effects Of Family Structure Type And Stability On Children's Academic Performance Trajectories." Journal Of Marriage & Family 73.3 (2011): 541-556. Academic Search Premier. Web. 5 Nov. 2013. Raley, R. Kelly, Michelle L. Frisco, and Elizabeth Wildsmith. "Maternal Cohabitation and Educational Success." Sociology of Education 78 (2005): 144-64. Print. Web. 11 Nov. 2013. Alika, Henrietta Leoma, and Ogboro Samson Edosa. "Relationship Between Broken Homes And Academic Achievement Of Secondary School Students In Oredo Local Government Area of Edo State, Nigeria." College Student Journal 46.2 (2012): 256- 263. Academic Search Premier. Web. 6 Nov. 2013. Kauchak, Donald P., Paul D. Eggen, and Candace Carter. Introduction to Teaching: Becoming a Professional. Fifth ed. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Merrill Prentice Hall, 2002. Print. Berger, Kathleen Stassen. Invitation to the Life Span. Second ed. New York: Worth, 2010. Print.