National Child-Centered Divorce Month, which occurs in July of every year, is not exactly an event most people look forward to, given the sadness usually associated with parents parting ways. However, it is an important month to observe as it brings awareness to the ideal and most effective way parents can handle divorce when it comes to their children’s mental health. People have always been and will continue getting divorced, but kids suffering the most in the process is also an unchanging fact, especially if parents do not deal with it in the best way.
History of National Child-Centered Divorce Month
Let’s start with the basics; in divorce, everyone is affected. Parents, kids, and even the couple’s friends have a hard time going through the process. Yet, the suffering of children is usually incomparable to others. They often wouldn’t understand what is happening; they think the adults are fighting because of them, that it’s their fault, especially with the older kids.
National Child-Centered Divorce Month was founded by Rosalind Sedacca, a certified corporate trainer and author of the book “How Do I Tell the Kids About the Divorce?” Statistics have shown that the month of January is, in fact, when most divorces are filed, with many experts stating that some parties filing for divorce are looking to start a new life. Sedacca’s book is a how-to guide on creating a storybook that can prepare children for divorce in a loving and caring way. She also established a child-centered divorce network for parents with a diverse group of therapists, attorneys, mediators, divorce coaches, and educators to achieve the most positive and harmonious outcomes for families undergoing a divorce.
Since 2008, January has been dedicated to educating parents worldwide that their choices do impact their kids’ mental and physical health, affecting them for years to come if a divorce is not handled the best way. Some go-to pointers for parents going through a divorce include communicating to your kids that none of it is their fault, that both parents still love them and always will, and that everything is going to be okay despite the changes.
National Child-Centered Divorce Month timeline
New York becomes the city with the most divorces globally, with adultery being the easiest grounds for divorce.
The National Association of Women Lawyers convinces the American Bar Association to establish a Family Law section in many state courts.
Rosalind Sedacca, a certified corporate trainer, establishes the Child-Centered Divorce Network in West Palm Beach, Florida.
Sedacca publishes the book “How Do I Tell the Kids About the Divorce?” and establishes National Child-Centered Divorce Month.
Ellanora Baidoo becomes the first person ever to serve her husband’s divorce papers via a Facebook inbox message.
National Child-Centered Divorce Month FAQs
At what age does divorce affect a child the most?
Six to 12-year-olds in elementary school. This is arguably the most challenging age for children to deal with their parents’ separation or divorce. That’s because they’re old enough to recall the good times (or good feelings) they shared as a family.
Is it better to stay together for a child?
In most cases, the answer is yes in the short term. Children thrive in stable, secure homes with two parents who adore them and each other. Separation is unsettling, stressful, and destabilizing unless there is parental abuse or conflict.
What are the positive effects of divorce on a child?
Children who have experienced divorce are more likely to develop empathy for others. When children who have experienced divorce see others they care about struggling, it often resonates more with them, and they become more accepting of the various problems and situations that others face.
How to Observe National Child-Centered Divorce Month
Fund a divorce support group meeting
There are many support groups for people going through a divorce or children with divorced parents in the country, and that’s where the healing starts. Find out where these groups are meeting in your area, identify the one you feel comfortable approaching, and find one or two of their gatherings. You can make some soup, take some snacks or even hire a speaker to help them process what is happening to them.
Buy a separating couple a book on divorce
Divorce is extremely common, and chances are we all know a couple going through one. So, in order to offer some support, especially to their kids, buy the separating couple a book on how to handle divorce when there are children involved. You can even buy Rosalind Sedacca’s book, “How Do I Tell the Kids about the Divorce?”.
Have an open discussion about divorce with your family
Having open conversations about divorce with your family does not mean that you want to get one. Divorce is part of our society; your kids might even have friends whose parents have gone through a divorce. It’s essential to inform them that getting a divorce is a decision made by the couple and that it has nothing to do with the kids. Although it is tough for children, sometimes it’s the best solution for them too. So, if your own kids ever feel like they may not be happy, it is okay to consider separation.
5 Facts About Divorce From Around The World
Divorce five minutes into a marriage
In Australia's traditional Aboriginal culture, a woman seeking a divorce may end her existing marriage immediately by saying "I do" to another man.
Remarrying in Japan comes with limitations
In Japan, if men want to remarry after a divorce, they can do so whenever they want, whereas the women must wait up to six months.
Catholics often can’t divorce
With Catholic laws being among the most stringent, getting a divorce in Vatican City is not permitted.
Four years in Malta
Couples have to legally separate for four years before being eligible to divorce in Malta.
Most people split after growing apart
Incompatibility, or growing apart, is the most common reason for divorce globally at 44%.
Why National Child-Centered Divorce Month is Important
Telling the kids is essential
Couples with children have a much harder job when it comes to deciding to get a divorce. It is imperative that they know how to best communicate this change to their children in a way that will not alarm or hurt them. National Child-Centered Divorce Month spreads awareness of the correct way to file a divorce with kids involved.
Knowing the right avenues is very important
Often people don’t know how to go about filing a divorce or how to deal with the aftermath once they have made the decision. Regardless of whether there are children involved, there are ways to make this process easier and more efficient. It is important to find resources to help them do so, which is part of the discussion in January as we observe National Child-Centered Divorce Month.
Encourages people to reevaluate toxic relationships
Toxic relationships are not just affecting the involved parties; it also has a significant effect on the children's mental health. These marriages can often become verbally or physically abusive, so it is essential to encourage people in toxic situations to reevaluate their relationships and how they are damaging their kids. A positive solution and outcome can be put into place for everyone involved.
National Child-Centered Divorce Month dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | July 1 | Tuesday |
| 2026 | July 1 | Wednesday |
| 2027 | July 1 | Thursday |
| 2028 | July 1 | Saturday |
| 2029 | July 1 | Sunday |
