This line of thinking demonstrates no understanding or caring for the needs or feelings of the children. It is, however, an extremely possessive and punishing attitude that some men appear to enjoy. This is not to advocate that all children should live with their mothers or to suggest that all fathers are punitive. In many divorcing families the children live with the father, usually by mutual choice. Many fathers consistently pay child support and even go above the court-ordered requirement to provide for their children's well being.
Adolescents are remarkably self-centered.
Thus, a teenager may appear upset over financial losses of the family more than any other loss. Statements like this are not uncommon. If your child focuses on the financial ramifications of the divorce it does not mean he or she is devoid of other feelings about the divorce. It just illustrates one way adolescents cope with all of the changes brought about by the divorce. They may focus on the loss that has the most obvious, concrete effects on them, repressing other feelings that are too painful to manage.