Therapists and sociologists have done reams of studies on the affects of divorce on children.  The latest study from Ohio State looks at the effects of a stable divorced home vs. one with changing relationships.

Divorce already introduces one big change into the children's life, the researchers wanted to know if the effects could stabilize out.  To do this they studied children in 3 groups: 2 parent children in stable family units; children of divorce who's parents either stayed single, or remarried, but remained in that state for the child's 14-18 years; and children underwent custody changes or who's parents remarried multiple times.

The results showed the children in stable homes, fared about the same as the children in 2 parent homes.  The went to college, got good jobs, etc. The difference was that they didn't succeed as well as the 2 parent children.  On the other hand, the children in unstable homes fared about half as well on all factors, including not going to college at all.

“A stable family situation after divorce does not erase the negative effects of a divorce, but children in this situation fare much better than do those who experience chronic instability,” Says associate professor Yongmin Sun, co-author of the study.

We can't sheild our children from change, but we can try to stabalize things to help them feel secure.

Source: www.sciencedaily.com