The result can be weight gain in children, especially boys. If mother returns to the work force, she may not have time to prepare healthy meals as she once did and father may rely more on fast food as his cooking skills may be limited.
There may be less money to buy healthy foods. Anxiety and disrupted sleep patterns may contribute to weight gain.
Additionally, people under stress crave sweet and fatty foods and children have less self-discipline than adults which may contribute to their weight gain.
It would follow that if divorce impacts the weight of the children, the parents may also struggle. Less time for exercise and socialization because of increased demands can erode a stressed parent’s health.
Be aware of these subtle dynamics and their potential life-long implications. Childhood and early teen years can set the metabolic tempo for decades to come. Keep an eye on your kids’ and your weight during divorce!
Claudia
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