An article in the Sun Herald on Sunday by Danielle Teutsch, highlighted some of the problem being faced by families where there is divorce. The Australian Institute of Family Studies tells us that 22 percent of Australian children have divorced or separated parents.
Around 45,000 children are currently affected by divorce. Half of the divorces in Australia involve children. As Mick and I go into schools to teach children it is apparent to us just how many of the children are affected. Many have a father living in another state that they only get to see once or twice a year.
According to statistics only 16 percent of children spend equal time with both parents. The majority live with their mothers. Fathers, in particular, feel they are being excluded from such things as parent teacher interviews, school carnivals and other school activities. While as parents some of us may at times whinge about having to go to such things, we have the choice.
Although NSW Primary principals association president Geoff Scott claimed it was now a ‘matter of course’ that both parents had the right to receive information about their children and the school activities, the reality seems to be far different. Many fathers who are divorced never get that choice because they never receive notification about these events. In some cases fathers have not even been advised when their child has been involved in an accident. Is it any wonder they feel marginalized from the children lives?
Some fathers even said they felt unwelcome at their children’s schools. It’s a sad state of affairs. Divorce is hard enough on all concerned and especially the children without making it far worse by creating tension and resentment about fathers not attending functions or not being asked if they would like to go on an school excursion. With the complicated family set ups these days even things like mother’s day and father’s day can create problems.
I have no doubt the situation in Australia is reflected in USA and other countries where divorce figures have created so may split and blended families. Any parents out there want to comment about their experience with divorce and schools?
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