Divorce undermines families

The foundation of every society is its families. When two parents split up, a family is undermined. Divorce is a terrible scourge that forces families to move out of houses, sometimes change cities or schools, and split into two separate families. For everyone involved this is a severe and traumatic situation.
ii. Divorce has a negative effect on children who are deeply impressionable and must be protected.
Children are impressionable. They are starting their journey on the path of life and are deeply sensitive to the world around them. They seek patterns and they seek to understand why certain patterns have certain results. Although they may not understand the huge complications underwriting our society, they nevertheless have an inkling of how our world is structured and determined, the family provides this context as does their parent’s marriage. Divorce can have a serious effect on this. As Socrates writes:
‘ Now, do you appreciate that the most important stage of any enterprise is the beginning, especially when something you and sensitive is involved? You, that’s when most of its formation takes place, and it absorbs every impression that anyone wants to stamp upon it. . . . Shall we, then, casually allow our children to listen to any old stories, made up by just anyone, and to take into their minds views which, on the whole, contradict those we’ll want them to have as adults?’1
In the Republic, the guardians are educated as children by the stories they are told. These stories provide moral justification for the actions and inactions of the people around them and are instrumental in their understanding of their own role in the world. But they must not be poems or fanciful stories, Socrates insists. They must tell young people about the truth of the world, not of lies. It is vitally important for parents who are having a divorce, to be honest with their children. Lies do not help anyone.
Iii. Counseling can help.
No one should be afraid to talk to a professional. These people can help both children and parents deal with the trauma of divorce. It can be difficult at first, but it will get better.
III. Conclusion
Divorce is a traumatic experience. It affects the foundation of society: marriage. We need great help to get through it. Children are impressionable and must not be lied to. Professionals can help ease a family through the process.