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Effects of Divorce on Children

Dr. Elizabeth Ruegg
2 hours

Divorce is a major family transition that can affect children emotionally, socially, academically, financially, and developmentally. While divorce itself does not determine a child’s long-term outcome, the way adults manage conflict, communication, parenting responsibilities, financial changes, and family restructuring can significantly influence how children adjust. This course examines the effects of divorce on children across developmental stages, with attention to the loss of the family unit, changes in routines and traditions, holidays and special occasions, stepfamily adjustment, and the child’s expressed wishes and desires.

Participants will explore both the negative impacts commonly associated with divorce and the protective factors that can reduce harm. Special focus is given to the difference between high-conflict and low-conflict divorce, the role of parental cooperation, and counseling considerations for families navigating separation, divorce, remarriage, and co-parenting. The course emphasizes a child-centered approach that helps adults understand children’s needs while supporting healthier family adjustment.

Course Creation Date:  5/11/2026

This course will award 2 continuing education hours.

Please see the board approval box for course approvals.

Course Objectives

  • Identify common emotional, behavioral, social, and developmental effects of divorce on children.
  • Describe current statistics and trends related to divorce, children, and family restructuring.
  • Explain how conflict level, financial stress, and loss of family structure may influence child adjustment.
  • Recognize how holidays, special occasions, remarriage, and stepfamilies can create additional stress or adjustment challenges.
  • Discuss strategies that may diminish the negative impact of divorce on children.
  • Explain the importance of considering the wishes, needs, and developmental capacity of children during divorce-related decision-making.
  • Identify counseling approaches that support children, parents, and families through divorce and post-divorce adjustment.

Course Author

Dr. Elizabeth Ruegg, LCSW

Dr. Elizabeth Ruegg is a faculty member in the MSW program at Saint Leo University in Saint Leo, Florida. She completed an undergraduate degree at Marymount College and earned an MSW at Fordham University. She completed her doctoral training at Simmons University in Massachusetts. Her doctoral research focused on the mechanisms of effectiveness in canine-assisted psychotherapy. She is a licensed clinical social worker, a certified addictions professional, a clinical traumatologist, a college and university suicide prevention specialist, a certified animal-assisted intervention specialist, and a certified animal-assisted psychotherapist. Dr. Ruegg authors a monthly blog on Psychology Today about animal-assisted psychotherapy.

Board Approvals

National Approvals

Approval for this course applies only to the national boards listed below.

  • American Psychological Association (APA)
    BaysideCEU is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. Bayside Continuing Education maintains responsibility for this program and its content.
  • Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) (ACE)
    BaysideCEU.com, #1793, is approved to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Organizations, not individual courses, are approved as ACE providers. State and provincial regulatory boards have the final authority to determine whether an individual course may be accepted for continuing education credit. BaysideCEU.com maintains responsibility for this course. ACE provider approval period: 2/4/2026-2/4/2029. This course is offered in the self-paced/distance learning format.
  • The Association For Addiction Professionals NAADAC
    Bayside Continuing Education and Development Provider Number 81892 is a NAADAC Approved Education Provider for educational credits. NAADAC Provider number 81892 is responsible for all aspects of the programming.
  • The National Board For Certified Counselors NBCC
    Bayside Continuing Education has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 6088. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. Bayside Continuing Education is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.

State Approvals

Information

  • Relevance: This course is designed for mental health professionals, social workers, counselors, marriage and family therapists, psychologists, substance abuse professionals, case managers, child welfare professionals, family court-related professionals, and other helping professionals who work with children, parents, and families affected by divorce or family restructuring.
  • Content Level: Intermediate
  • Course Format: This course is offered as a self-paced distance learning format (reading-based online activity)
  • System Requirements: This course is offered online. Internet connection required.
  • Course Completion Information: To earn continuing education credit, professionals must register and pay the fee for the course.  They must read the content and demonstrate understanding by earning a minimum score of 70 percent on testing materials.  The certificate of completion will be able to be downloaded after the above is completed. Refunds will be granted upon request with the withdrawal of credit for the course. For questions, concerns, or to request special accommodations, please call 866-863-4225 or email ContactUs@BaysideCEU.com.
  • CEBroker Course ID: 1377786
  • Credit Hours: 2
Dr. Elizabeth Ruegg
2 hours
This course is designed for mental health professionals, social workers, counselors, marriage and family therapists, psychologists, substance abuse professionals, case managers, child welfare professionals, family court-related professionals, and other helping professionals who work with children, parents, and families affected by divorce or family restructuring.
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