Many believe that children evolve symptoms from post-divorce. That is contrary to what studies have shown; many psychological effects are derived from pre-divorce matters. This happens years before parents cannot work things out, according to a University of Alberta study. "Perhaps we should pay more attention to what happens to kids in the period leading up to parental divorce rather than directing all our efforts to helping children after the event occurs," said Dr. Lisa Strohschein, from the U of A's Department of Sociology.

Many studies have proved children are greatly influenced before, during, and after a divorce. Statistics Canada revealed that children can show the effects in areas such as academic progress, psychological well-being, and behavior problems. All of these sectors displayed the maladjustment prior to the divorce. They can be exhibited through many symptoms, for example: bullying, lying, depression, poor self-image, and anxiety.

One study that statistically reports upon the effects of divorce and children by E. Marquardt shows inexplicably that divorce alters the mentality and development of a child and their future in contrast to a child that has an intact family.

	Older children are three times likely to feel they are in physical danger than a younger child would. 60% of divorced children are emotionally unstable versus only 20% of non-divorced children.
	4/10 children of divorce say they "generally felt emotionally safe" as a child, compared to almost 8/10 children in intact families.
	Children in split families are more likely to feel secluded alone during their youth. Few divorced children (33%) went to a parent for support compared to 68% of non-divorced children.
	And sadly, 43% to 70% (divorced to non, respectively) reported to agree that their childhood included playing.

So what does this all mean? The before and after effects are reality, but that does not mean there is no such thing as a happy divorce where both parents can handle the divorce in a civilized and professional matter with keeping the well-being of the child in mind at all times. Children that undergo such changes in family life need to be continually loved and not be put in the middle of the situation. Some great reminders and tips about what’s fair for a child can be read in the Children’s Bill of Rights.