Differences in the Ways Boys and Girls React

Distinct differences have been observed in the ways boys and girls deal with the divorce of their parents. Keep in mind, though, that every child and family is unique.

Lee talks about how his children have reacted to the divorce: "They've all handled it differently. My son is withdrawn and has not said a whole lot about it. My middle daughter, who's very outgoing, was angry with her mother. My oldest daughter is angry and very vocal."

Dr. Bob Barnes says that "in a father-absent home, a girl might go and date a little earlier and get more sexually active than other girls. In the father-absent home, the boy might become sullen and rebellious; there is no male role model."

Linda Jacobs says, "Boys in a fatherless home may try to be extra macho or manly. They may want to enroll in weight lifting and body building classes. Girls in a home without the mother may tend to be exceptionally feminine and want to dress too grown up for their age. Each gender may try to overcompensate for the absent parent."

Encourage people in your church to be role models for your children. Ask a strong Christian couple, whose children are the same age as your children, to invite your children to spend time with their family. It is good for your children to be exposed to a healthy, two-parent family.

"How precious is Your steadfast love, O God! The children of men take refuge and put their trust under the shadow of Your wings" (Psalm 36:7 AMP).