Parents' Fights Before Divorce More Harmful To Children Than After Divorce, Expert Says

Children suffer more from the fights between parents before a divorce than after a divorce. An expert from the University of York determined children's behavioral issues grow worst while parents remain together but persist in conflicts.

Gloria Moroni looked into data of some 19,000 children of divorce born in 2000 in the U.K. She learned at least 30 percent of these kids had behavioral problems as a result of seeing their parents argue at home, Daily Mail reported.

Moroni's study was about proving whether divorce is actually bad for the children. Countless of studies cited divorce negatively affected children's developmental skills, hence they struggle socially and emotionally.

Moroni learned, however, that the frequent fights between parents prior to a divorce caused more harm in children, along with other pre-divorce family dynamics. The divorce itself had a "marginal" effect on the kids.

"Most of the damage is given by pre-divorce circumstances and characteristics of the family," Moroni said, as per iNews. "Parents who decide to divorce may also be lower-educated, may also be poorer, or they may have more conflictual relationships."

In the U.S., the divorce rate climbed to 50 percent in the 1980s. Times changed since, however, and relationships, including divorces, got complicated.

What remains constant and true to this day is that the parents' relationship with each other, whether they are together or separated, impact their children long-term. So how do families resolve this?

Moroni suggested parents should receive better education on parenting. Government should have programs geared for fostering child development.

These programs must highlight cooperation between parents where they need to see the impact they create for their children, especially when their relationship is riddled with conflicts. Moroni said parental education is the most effective response in reducing the gap and difference between children of divorce and children from intact families.

What can you say about this, parents? Do you agree with the experts take? Sound off in the comments below!