When parents split up, children suffer emotional turmoil which can be extremely damaging. Annette Rawstrone reports on a project to improve support for such families
Between 150,000 and 200,000 sets of parents separate each year, leaving a quarter of British children to cope with the emotional turmoil of a broken home.
Evidence shows that separation or divorce can have a profoundly damaging effect on children if it is not handled properly:
'It is crucial from a child's point of view to see their mum and dad united. If a child is used as a pawn or access visits are disrupted it can increase the child's insecurity. Insecure children may do less well at school, have less self-esteem, less ability to make friends and less confidence, and this can impact on adult life and influence a choice of unsuitable partner - and repeat the cycle.'
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