Acting out after a divorce

Rebecca Eberlin PhD Psychologist, explains how kids may act our following their parents' divorce and offers advice for parents on how to help their children understand the process and return to normal
Divorce And Children | When Kids Act Out After A Divorce
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Acting out after a divorce

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Every child that goes through a divorce in their family is going to have a unique experience. And what we typically see is that at different developmental stages, children kind of ebb and flow in the way that they're coping with it. Some of the ways that you might see children acting out is behaviorally. You might see them having more meltdowns or temper tantrums. In totally different situations, that may look completely unrelated to divorce. But the reality is you as a parent need to be in tune to the fact that some of these behavior problems could be related to what's going on at home. Another way you might see a child acting out in divorce is by completely withdrawing, which we don't typically see as "acting out." But it is a behavioral disturbance that we want to encourage our children that even though they're having a tough time, to stay engaged with their peers, to do things that make them feel good about themselves, because we want them to have as healthy of a life as possible. Divorce isn't the worst thing; how you manage it is essential. But keeping an eye on what your child's needs are at their particular age, at the particular phase of the divorce, is what's so important for every parent.

Rebecca Eberlin PhD Psychologist, explains how kids may act our following their parents' divorce and offers advice for parents on how to help their children understand the process and return to normal

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Rebecca Eberlin, PhD

Psychologist

I am a California state licensed psychologist, who specializes in providing evidence-based treatment and assessment to children, adults and families with a variety of emotional, behavioral and developmental challenges.

A proud Wolverine, I graduated from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor with Bachelor of Arts degrees in Psychology and Political Science. I then returned to California and completed my Doctoral training at Pacific Graduate School of Psychology, an APA accredited pre-doctoral internship at Sharp HealthCare, and a post-doctoral fellowship at the Children’s Health Council.

I relocated to Los Angeles in the summer of 2011 to conduct prevention-focused research at UCLA’s Semel Institute of Neuroscience and Human Behavior at the Global Center for Children and Families. During my time at UCLA, I became the lead psychologist and Director of Services and Operations at the UCLA Family Commons in Santa Monica.

Throughout the course of my career, my research and treatment interests have included working with children, adolescents and adults who struggle with behavioral and emotional challenges, such as depression, anxiety, impulse control disorders, developmental disabilities and other family-based issues. I also conduct parent education seminars that focus on a wide variety of issues including resiliency, stress, relationships, social media and friendship and bullying.

While my primary location is West Los Angeles, I also have offices in Northern California. If you are interested in obtaining coaching or cognitive testing services in the Bay Area, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Please please visit my website to learn more about me, my practice and how therapy can work for you.

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Transcription: 
Every child that goes through a divorce in their family is going to have a unique experience. And what we typically see is that at different developmental stages, children kind of ebb and flow in the way that they're coping with it. Some of the ways that you might see children acting out is behaviorally. You might see them having more meltdowns or temper tantrums. In totally different situations, that may look completely unrelated to divorce. But the reality is you as a parent need to be in tune to the fact that some of these behavior problems could be related to what's going on at home. Another way you might see a child acting out in divorce is by completely withdrawing, which we don't typically see as "acting out." But it is a behavioral disturbance that we want to encourage our children that even though they're having a tough time, to stay engaged with their peers, to do things that make them feel good about themselves, because we want them to have as healthy of a life as possible. Divorce isn't the worst thing; how you manage it is essential. But keeping an eye on what your child's needs are at their particular age, at the particular phase of the divorce, is what's so important for every parent.