Those issues as well as anger and fantasy are typical in pre-school and early school age kids. When you get to pre-teen age, you see real anger and guilt about the whole thing, Sacks said.
"I think guilt is universal, the early children will say, 'I was bad so Daddy left' or 'Had I been better, Dad would have stayed,'" Sacks explained.
She also noted that divorced or separated couples can still perform parenting duties together without confusing the child, as long as the truth is constantly reinforced.
"Routine and schedule are essential for all parenting and it becomes more important when parents are in two different places," she said.
What parents need to do is communicate with their kids and keep negativity about the former spouse out of the equation. Kids don't need to hear their parents' fears, angst or anger.
Most importantly help is out there for parents trying to raise children during separation or divorce. There are good organizations, books, reference texts and people who have already lived through this tough situation. So don't be afraid to look for help.
