Others, especially in the presence of outside influences, may side with one parent. Anger may drive children's behavior at this age. This anger may be directed toward one or both parents, especially if children blame themselves for the divorce. Anger may also surface toward siblings. And anger isn't the only emotion they feel.
Many children feel helplessness, anxiety and guilt.
These emotions can create chronic eating and sleeping disorders, or social and emotional problems. The effects of living with dad at this age depend highly on the maturity of the child. Some children are almost unaffected by divorce. Yet others develop rebellious behaviors, become unsympathetic toward one or both parents, suffer poor self-esteem, and develop negative attitudes concerning relationships. This adjustment period may vary.